What is history and government is a popular question among learners new to the subject wanting to master the course from an early age. History encompasses the various tasks people have done in the past. Conversely, government deals with political happenings in the past and present. Formation of governments worldwide depends on a country’s past governance and leadership styles. In Kenya, history and government is a subject taught in secondary schools to help learners understand the relationship between history and government in a country’s governance.

What is history & government in form one

In the Kenyan education system, history is one of the optional KCSE subject offered among group three subjects. The following are some of the fundamental chapters, concepts and topics studied in history & government form one (1).

1. Introduction to history and government
2. The early man
3. Development of agriculture
4. The people of Kenya up to the 19^th century
5. Social, economic and political organization of Kenyan societies in the 19^th century
6. Contact between E. Africa and the outside world up to the 19^th century
7. Citizenship
8. National integration

Goals and objective in education

Through history and government, the Kenyan government aims to achieve significant national goals and objectives through education. Some of the goals achieved through the study of history and government include; national unity, national development, social equity, respect of cultural heritage and international consciousness.

There are various reasons why history and government is taught in Kenya. The following are some of the reasons for teaching and learning the subject;

1. Helps learners gather and master historical facts, activities, circumstances and personalities who existed in the past.
2. It enhances the development of patriotism among the learners.
3. History helps learners understand ethical issues. Learning the subject helps students understand the right, wrong, bad and good attitudes
4. Studying history sharpens individual imaginations. Although learners were not present in historical occurrences, the subject develops imagination and creativity among skills.

Final word

History & government is one of the group 3 KCSE subjects examined by the Kenya National Examination Council. The subject explores different topics such as; introduction to history and government, the early man, development of agriculture, the people of Kenya up to the 19^th century, social, economic and political organization of Kenyan societies in the 19^th century, contact between E. Africa and the outside world up to the 19^th century, citizenship and national integration