Human history dates back millions of years in Kenya, but the interior of the country had few towns or villages until European colonists arrived. Kenyan ports have historically been important for trade with Asian and Arab countries, so towns and cities developed along the coast.

The Portuguese invaded the country in the late 15th century, but their power was short-lived as the country was taken under Islamic control just over a century later. In the late 19th century, European influence returned, as East Africa was divided by European powers and the British government declared Kenya the East African Protectorate.

During this time, native Kenyans were discriminated against, land in the highlands was given to white farmers, and there was an influx of thousands of Indian and Pakistani migrants who rapidly built new infrastructure and developments.

The colonial government collapsed in the 1960s and Kenya became fully independent in 1963. Under this new independent government, land was redistributed to native Kenyans and positions in office were distributed among as many ethnic groups as possible.

The beginnings of economic recovery accompanied the landslide victory of President Mwai Kibaki in 2002, but just three years later the party splintered, and a new opposition coalition was formed. Kibaki's re-election in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging and violent unrest broke out. Power sharing negotiations eventually brought Raila Amolo Odinga into the government in the restored position of prime minister from 2008 to 2013. Uhuru Kenyatta has served as president since 2013.