Since independence in December 1963 Kenya has had 5 heads of state and 1 failed coup. Making it one of the most stable countries in Africa transitioning peacefully from one president to another.

Kenyan presidents exemplify the idea that in politics there are no permanent enemies or friends, but only permanent interests.

This video looks at all Kenyan heads of state from 1963 to 2022.

Initially, Kenya had no president. The country became independent on 12 December 1963 with Queen Elizabeth 2 as head of state and Malcolm MacDonald as Governor-General appointed by the Queen on advice from Kenyan Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta.

As part of the 1963 Constitution, the Senate and the House of Representatives were constituted into a bicameral parliament.

When the constitution was amended in 1964, the Senate and House of Representatives were combined into a unicameral National Assembly.