Culture can vary over time, but in the case of the Africa’s culture, it will always be articulated in a similar way. Ancient Egypt stands near the head of African culture. Egypt prior to the union of the upper lands and lower lands was inhabited by people no different from present black population of the United States. Ideas that begin in Egypt are now found in all parts of the continent as a result of the Arab invasion.
Many Africans left Egypt as Arab culture and language made its total conquest of the indigenous people. Almost all Africans share cultural similarities with the ancient Egyptians.
Europeans came to Africa after hearing Arab travelers report of the gold and diamonds to be found there. Europeans were in search for a secure economic life after the devastation caused by the bubonic plague. Europe’s merchants took full advantage of the separated kingdoms and traded in both gold and human beings. Initiating the most intense period of human slavery in history.
Africa’s culture is therefore determined by a unity of origin as well as a common struggle. Also present in Africa’s culture is a nonmaterial element of resistance to the assault upon traditional values caused by the intrusion of European legal procedures, medicines, political processes, and religion into African culture.
Africa’s population mixed with the Arabs, caused the two cultures to blend creating a new language and culture. They became known as Kiswahili or Swahili. The culture is prominent today in the coastal towns. Kiswahili and English are the official languages of modern Kenya.
In 1895 Kenya was ruled by the British government. It became a “royal colony” in 1920. British settlers took over the best lands for plantations, growing tea, coffee, cotton and sugar cane.
The many tribes of Kenya were to weak to fight the British and keep them from taking over their land. Their spears were no match for their powerful guns. Because of the many different ethnic groups of tribes made it impossible for them to unite and become a substantial force.
Kenyans were forced to work on British plantations or become servants in their large beautiful homes. Kenya grew fast with Narobi becoming a modern city with all that one would expect, large homes, restaurants, theaters and clubs. Even with all this modernization, native Kenyans were not allowed in any of these places except as servants. These 8 million natives were being ruled by about 30,000 British.
People of Kenya began to find ways to unite. After World War II a powerful man named Jomo Kenyatta returned home. In no time he began to lead a movement for independence. British opposed this move which lead to violence. Kenyans formed an organization called the Mau Mau. This group use harsh terrorist tactics in their flight for independence. Kenyatta did not agree with the violence but British rule blamed him for it. He was arrested in 1952 and sent to prison in 1953.
Although the British ended the Mau Mau uprising, they were convinced that Kenya could no longer be a British colony. Kenyatta was released from prison in 1961. Kenya received its independence in 1963. Kenyans shouted Uhuru! Uhuru! (ooh-hoo-roo) as their flag was being raised. Freedom! Freedom!
In 1964 Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya’s first president. He encouraged the British to stay and many did. He created one political party, including many different tribal groups, the Kenya African National Unity or KANU in hopes for National Unity. Kenya experienced much economic growth under Kenyatta’s leadership
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Kenyatta died in 1978, leaving a void of his powerful personality. Daniel arap Moi became the next president, who proved to be even more powerful. There has been great opposition to his government but he was reelected in 1992. Most Kenyans hope that one day soon it will be a democracy.
