Kenya Kiambu History: A Look Into the Past



Kenya’s Kiambu County is located in the Central Province of the country. It is bordered by Nairobi County to the south, Murang’a County to the east, Laikipia County to the north, and Nakuru County to the west. Kiambu is one of the oldest counties in Kenya, with a long and rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial era.

The first inhabitants of the area were the Agikuyu people, who are believed to have settled in the region during the 13th century. The Agikuyu people are believed to have migrated from the Great Lakes region of East Africa. They established a number of villages and towns in the area, which were ruled by a council of elders.

The Agikuyu people were part of the larger Bantu-speaking group of people, which included the Kikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Kamba tribes. The Agikuyu and other Bantu-speaking people were organized into small chiefdoms, which were headed by a council of elders.

During the 19th century, the area was colonized by the British. The British established a number of administrative centers in the region, including Fort Smith, which was the first British fort in East Africa. The British also established a number of schools and churches in the area, which helped to spread Christianity throughout the region.

In the early 20th century, the Agikuyu people began to organize themselves politically. This led to the establishment of the Kenya African Union (KAU) in 1944, which was the first political organization for the Agikuyu people. The KAU was instrumental in the fight for Kenyan independence from British colonial rule.

After independence, the area was divided into several districts, including Kiambu District. In 1995, the district was split into two separate districts, Kiambu North and Kiambu South. In 2010, the two districts were merged to form the current Kiambu County.

Today, Kiambu County is one of the most populous counties in Kenya. It is home to a diverse population, including the Agikuyu, Kikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Kamba tribes. The county is also home to a number of important historical sites, including Fort Smith, which is now a national museum.

Kiambu County is a vibrant and diverse area, with a rich cultural heritage and a long and interesting history. It is a great place to visit and explore, and to learn more about the past of Kenya.