How did Kenya change from an independent state into a republic in 1964?

Kenya achieved independence from Britain on December 12, 1963, initially operating under a constitution that established a parliamentary system with Jomo Kenyatta serving as prime minister.123

The transition to a republic occurred one year later, in 1964, driven by significant shifts in the country's political landscape:

• Consolidation of Power: The primary opposition party, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), which had advocated for a decentralized government, saw most of its members transfer their allegiance to the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU). KADU subsequently ceased to exist, effectively making Kenya a one-party state.245
• Constitutional Amendment: A new constitutional amendment replaced the office of prime minister with that of an executive president.35
• Leadership: Under this new structure, Jomo Kenyatta became the first president of the republic, and Oginga Odinga was appointed as vice president.12

These changes established a strong central government, marking a departure from the regional power structures initially envisioned at independence and positioning the presidency as the primary locus of political authority in Kenya.35