Several memorable events in the history of Kenya and the world happened on January 16. Here are five of such events which include the discovery of the most complete skull of the early man known to date at Rusinga island in Kenya.
- 1958 U.S.A Locust Plague
As Kenyans in the northern and eastern regions continue to face the challenge of locusts, on January 16, 1958, the government of Colorado in United States reported severe damage caused by grasshoppers and locusts across the state and other neighboring areas. The damage is estimated to have cost millions of dollars, chased away tourists and destroyed crops.
2. 1919 Prohibition is ratified by the states
Through the 18th amendment of U.S constitution, the government of United States prohibited the manufacturing, transportation and sale of all intoxicating liquor and beverages.
Through Volstead Act, or National Prohibition Act of 1919, president Woodrow assented to the bill to create total abstinence.
The result of the bill was creation of underground industries that facilitated the growth of organized crime. The government was forced to drop the bill through 21st amendment of 1933.
3. Proconsul africanus skull discovered in Rusinga Island
On January 16, 1948 , Marl Leakey a renown Paleoanthropologist discovered the most complete skull of the early man known to date at Rusinga island in Kenya.
4. First phase of Ugandan Railway
On this date in 2017, Uganda announces the Kenya Uganda railway will begin its first face at a cost of KSh 2.7 billion. The railway contract that was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Co.
It was to be 273 km of standard gauge railway from Kampala Uganda to the border of Kenya, taking 40 months to complete. Rail is sponsored by Export-Import bank of China.
5. The siege of mafeking, 1900
Following the start of war in 1900 between British and Boers in South Africa, British soldiers were surrounded in a small town called Mafeking.
A war of bluff to acquire resources for the small British troop led to use of young soldiers who camouflaged themselves as boars to get messages across the enemy lines helped win the war.
The historic great trek and war for Mafeking lead the British commander, Colonel Baden-Powell to create a unit of young men and women that he called scouts in 1922. Scouts organization is the largest youth organization in the world today thanks to the Mafeking siege.
Do you have a story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through info@gotta.news or call/SMS +254 731 469269
