Timeline of Key Events

1895-1902

British arrive in Kenya; Mombasa/Uganda Railroad is established.

1940

Wangari Muta Maathai is born, Central Highlands, Kenya.

1952

The Land Freedom Army fights colonial rule. The first prolonged, armed liberation struggle against colonialism in Africa, it is called the “Mau Mau Emergency” by the British.

1960

Wangari wins a Kennedy scholarship and begins university education in the United States (through 1966).

1963

Jomo Kenyatta is named first prime minister of Kenya.

1964

Republic of Kenya is formed; Kenyatta becomes president.

1966

Wangari Maathai becomes research assistant at University of Nairobi

1969

Wangari Muta Maathai marries Mwangi Mathai.

1971

Wangari Maathai becomes first woman to receive a PhD in East & Central Africa.

1971

Wangari Maathai has first of three children.

1977

Green Belt Movement founded by Wangari Maathai.

1977

UN Conference on Desertification held.

1978

President Kenyatta dies; Vice-President Daniel arap Moi appointed president.

1979

Wangari Maathai divorces.

1982

President Moi establishes one-party state.

1982-92

Opposition groups suppressed; many political arrests & imprisonments.

1989

Times Tower project in Uhuru Park announced; protests organized by Green Belt Movement.

1992

Times Tower fence taken down; development project cancelled.

1992

February: Freedom Corner March – Women’s vigil and protest for imprisoned sons starts in Uhuru Park and continues for 11-months in All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. Call for multi-party elections.

1992

Civic and Environmental Education workshops by the Green Belt Movement begin in response to tribal clashes prior to elections.

1992

December: First multi-party elections held in 26 years; Moi claims victory.

1998

Karura Forest privatization protested.

1998

Green Belt Movement starts planting only indigenous trees.

2002

Multi-party elections; Moi defeated and a coalition government is elected advocating reforms.

2002

Wangari Maathai elected to Parliament with 98% of the vote.

2004

Wangari Maathai awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

For more information on Wangari Maathai’s life and the Green Belt Movement, please see www.greenbeltmovement.com.