Historical Dictionary of Kenya

by Michael Mwenda Kithinji

Overview

Kenya has a rich and complex history. Due to the vast discoveries of prehistoric archaeological remains, Kenya is one of the few places in the world with the largest and most complete record of human’s cultural development. Furthermore, the country’s strategic location astride the Indian Ocean and the East African littoral attracted numerous foreigners such as the Arabs, Persians, Portuguese, Americans, British, Chinese, French, and Germans. Additionally, immigrants from throughout Africa and beyond have settled in Kenya to escape conflict or political persecution, while others wanted an opportunity to begin a new life. As a result of being a gateway to the world, the country traditionally has been one of the most important business, cultural, diplomatic, and political centers in Africa. Still, Kenya, like many other countries throughout the world, has been plagued by an increasing array of complex economic, political, and social challenges.

Historical Dictionary of Kenya, Fourth Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 500 cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as aspects of the country’s politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Kenya.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538157459
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/18/2024
Series:	Historical Dictionaries of Africa
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	616
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Michael Mwenda Kithinji is associate professor of African History and director of the African and African American Studies program at the University of Central Arkansas. He is the author of The State and the University Experience in East Africa: Colonial Foundations and Post-Colonial Transformation in Kenya, (University of South Africa Press, 2018), a book that explores the dynamics that have influenced the development of university education in Kenya and the wider East African region. He has also coedited several books and authored numerous scholarly articles.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Chronology

Introduction

Map

THE DICTIONARY

Appendix A: British Commissioners and Governors of the East Africa Protectorate/Kenya Colony (1895–1963)

Appendix B: Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Vice Presidents of Kenya

Appendix C: Economic Data

Bibliography

About the Authors