Kenya's 50 years of independence

As Kenya celebrates 50 years of independence, look at the events that have shaped the country over the last half century. 



Independence Following decades of British colonial rule, Kenya gains its full independence on December 12 1963. Jomo Kenyatta, leader of Kenya African National Union (KANU), is sworn in as prime minister.

Republic A republican constitution is adopted, creating a unitary political system and a powerful presidency -- one strong enough for Jomo Kenyatta to establish a de facto one-party state. One year later a capitalist economy under the label of "African socialism" is adopted. Here, Kenyatta is pictured with African leaders Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Nyerere and Milton Obote.


 Multiparty politics The return of multiparty politics -- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (left) resigns as vice president of Kenya to form his Kenya People's Union (KPU). In 1969, the banning of KPU signals Kenya's return to a de facto one-party state.



New president Vice President Daniel arap Moi takes power following the death of Kenyatta. Here, Moi is seen grieving during Kenyatta's funeral.



One-party state The constitution is amended to make Kenya a de jure one-party state. Several months later, a failed coup d'etat ushered in the resurgence of autocratic authoritarianism. The constitution is amended in 1990 to reintroduce multiparty politics.



Multiparty elections Kenya's first multiparty elections since independence are won by Daniel arap Moi. He also wins the 1997 elections.



U.S. embassy bombing Bombing of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi leaves 224 dead and approximately 4,650 wounded.


New president Elections see KANU lose power to Mwai Kibaki's National Rainbow Coalition.


Nobel Prize Kenyan Wangari Maathai becomes the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.


Post-election violence Mwai Kibaki wins disputed presidential election, leading to violence that leaves nearly 1,500 dead. A power-sharing agreement signed in February 2008 creates a prime minister's office for Raila Odinga as part of a coalition government.


Oil discovered Kenya finally strikes oil after decades of exploration. President Mwai Kibaki described the discovery as a major breakthrough. British-based Tullow Oil said it discovered the oil well in Turkana County, in the northwestern part of the country near Uganda.


New president Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo, is elected president after the election is conducted with arbitration by the supreme court. The President and Deputy President William Ruto face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court over their involvement in the 2007-08 electoral violence.



Westgate attack An attack by gunmen at Westgate shopping mall leaves at least 67 people dead. The Somali terror group Al-Shabaab claims responsibility. The Al Qaeda-linked group says on Twitter that the attack was in retaliation for Kenya's involvement in an African Union military effort against Al-Shabaab in neighboring Somalia.



Celebrations Celebrations are underway in Kenya, marking 50 years of independence.