Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya and father of the Kenyan nation, died on August 22, 1978, at the age of 84 in Mombasa, Kenya. Kenyatta was born in 1890 in Ngenda, Kikuyu. He was a prominent leader of the Kenyan nationalist movement, and was instrumental in the struggle to attain independence from British colonial rule. Following the repressive period of colonial rule, Kenyatta was elected Prime Minister and later served as President of an independent Kenya from 1964 until his death. Kenyatta was an intellectual and advocate for African rights and freedoms, in addition to a politician. He was a revered figure amongst the people of Kenya, and helped to bring about economic and social reform during his tenure. He was regarded for his progressive infrastructure and communication initiatives, such as the building of roads and harbors, and for comforting economic recovery within years of gaining independence. Kenyatta also was recognized as a proponent of education and language, founding the University of Nairobi and instituting the use of Swahili as the national language. Kenyatta was a renowned leader and influential statesman, who remained committed to his cause even as his age advanced. He is remembered dearly and mourned for his loss.