Kenya has a long and complex history that began thousands of years ago.
Indeed, some archaeologists contend that the country was the cradle of
mankind or, at the very least, one of the places that was home to the
earliest hominids. In later centuries, Kenya's strategic location
astride the Indian Ocean and the East African littoral attracted
numerous foreign peoples, some of the most significant of which have
been the Americans, Arabs, British, Chinese, French, Germans, and
Portuguese. Additionally, Africans from throughout the subcontinent 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. Although it has maintained this reputation during the
post-independence period, Kenya, like most African countries, has been
plagued by an increasing array of complex economic, political, and
social problems. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Kenya
provides a starting point for those interested in any of the phases of
Kenya's historical evolution. This is done through a chronology, an
introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The
dictionary section has 500 cross-referenced entries on important
personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and
culture. This book is an excellent access point for students,
researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Kenya.
