Famous People From Kenya

Across history many famous people from Kenya have made their mark on its lively history and evolution from a country of nomadic tribes peoples to a full democracy competing in the global economy with Europe and America.

In fact, the Kenya you see today reflects these famous people from Kenya's history in its monuments and statuary. In the village of Malindi, near Mombassa on the Eastern seaboard, the Portuguese pillar built from coral still bears the cross of Lisbon stone. Vasco da Gama first visited Mombassa in 1498 as he explored shipping routes across the Indian Ocean. Contrast this centuries old monument with the modern statue of another of Kenya's famous people, the freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi who led the Mau Mau uprisings of the 1950s and ultimately helped Kenya achieve independence. Kimathi is honoured in Nairobi's City Centre by a bronze statue. The struggles of the Mau Mau gave rise to the Republic of Kenya which was recognized in 1963 when Jomo Kenyatta, an African of Kikuyu descent, was declared the first African president of Kenya. Political figures, rulers and imperialists aside, Kenya's history has been rich with other famous people making their mark in other ways. For example, Richard Leakey, the well known paleontologist, excavated an area around the Lake Turkana area of Kenya. There he uncovered some amazing skulls belong to homo erectus and his ancestor, homo habilis. These skulls were near perfect in their preserved state and allowed scientists a rare and precious opportunity to further their knowledge of the development of the human species.

Professor Wangari Maathai, an African woman pioneer, represents another sector in the ranks of famous people from Africa. Her groundbreaking work helped women become involved in conservationism, tree planting, environmentalism and the fight against poverty in Africa and in particular in Kenya. Her work was duplicated and expanded to surrounding countries as she strove relentlessly to improve social and environmental conditions in Africa.

You can find out more about these remarkable people at http://www.my-kenya-guide.com/famous-people-from-kenya.html