Introduction to History and Sources of Historical Information Notes - Grade 10 History and Citizenship | YNetStudyHub
History and Citizenship Tutorial

Introduction to History and Sources of Historical Information

Grade 10 CBC History and Citizenship notes on the meaning and importance of history, and the types of historical sources used in Kenya.

Lesson 1 of 3
8 min read Mathew Wahome

Introduction to History and Sources of Historical Information

What is history?

History is the study of past human activities and how they shape the present. The Kenyan Senior School CBC (KICD) History and Citizenship course also builds values like patriotism, responsibility and respect for diversity.

Why study history?

  • Understand how we came to be who we are
  • Learn from past successes and mistakes
  • Develop national identity and unity
  • Build skills in research, analysis and critical thinking
  • Appreciate other cultures
  • Prepare for careers like law, journalism, teaching and museum work

Branches of history

Political, economic, social, military and cultural history, among others. Related disciplines include geography, anthropology and archaeology.

Sources of historical information

1. Oral tradition Information passed from person to person by speaking: stories, songs, proverbs, riddles and genealogies. It is key in Kenyan communities.

  • Advantages: covers non-literate societies, cheap, reveals culture.
  • Limitations: distortion over time, no firm dates, bias, loss when elders die.

2. Written sources Books, diaries, letters, newspapers, government reports and inscriptions. Examples: Swahili chronicles and Arab writers on the East African coast; colonial records in the Kenya National Archives.

  • Advantages: more permanent and often dated.
  • Limitations: can be biased, and only the literate wrote them.

3. Archaeology Excavating and studying artefacts, fossils and structures. Examples in Kenya: fossils at Koobi Fora and the Nariokotome site, and ruins of Gedi and Fort Jesus on the coast.

  • Limitations: expensive; remains may be damaged; interpretation needs expertise.

4. Linguistics The study of languages shows relationships and migrations. The Bantu languages show common origins of many Kenyan communities.

5. Anthropology, genetics and others These study cultures, human physical traits and DNA. Museums and photographs also help.

Primary and secondary sources

  • Primary sources come from the time of the event (a diary, an eyewitness).
  • Secondary sources are written later using primary sources (a textbook).

Handling sources critically

Ask: Who produced it? When? Why? Is it reliable? Compare several sources to reduce bias (this is called cross-checking or corroboration).

Worked example 1

Classify: a 1963 independence day photograph; a 2020 history textbook. Answer: The photograph is a primary source; the textbook is a secondary source.

Worked example 2

Which source would best tell us about the earliest humans in Kenya? Answer: Archaeology, because fossils and tools from sites like Lake Turkana give direct evidence.

Try it

  • Interview an elder about a local historic event and note the limitations of the account.
  • Name one museum or monument in your county and the source type it represents.
  • Give three reasons why you study history.
  • Compare one primary and one secondary source about the same event.
Quick Knowledge Check
Q1. History is best defined as?
A The study of past events and their effect on the present
B The study of plants
C A list of dates only
D The study of rocks
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option A (The study of past events and their effect on the present)
History examines past human activities and helps explain the present.
Q2. Oral tradition is a source of history that is?
A Written
B Passed by word of mouth
C Excavated
D Photographed
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option B (Passed by word of mouth)
Elders pass accounts, songs and proverbs to the next generation.
Q3. The study of past human life through excavated remains is?
A Archaeology
B Anthropology
C Linguistics
D Genealogy
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option A (Archaeology)
Archaeologists dig up artefacts, bones and structures to reconstruct the past.
Q4. A primary source is?
A Produced at the time of the event
B A later textbook summary
C An opinion article written years later
D A rumour
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option A (Produced at the time of the event)
Primary sources include diaries, letters, photographs and official records from the time.
Key Concept Flashcards
Concept Prompt
Give two reasons for studying history.
Key Takeaway
To understand the present; to learn from past mistakes and develop national identity and citizenship.
Concept Prompt
Name three sources of historical information.
Key Takeaway
Oral tradition, written records, archaeology (also linguistics, anthropology, genetics).
Concept Prompt
Where were the Leakeys' famous discoveries in Kenya made?
Key Takeaway
Around Lake Turkana and Olduvai (Tanzania); e.g. Turkana Boy at Nariokotome.
Interview & Practice Problems
Strengths and Weaknesses of Oral Tradition Intermediate

State two advantages and two limitations of oral tradition as a source of history. (4 marks)

View Step-by-Step Solution & Code

Advantages: it is available where there is no writing; it is cheap and gives community perspectives, culture and values. Limitations: information may be distorted or exaggerated over generations; it is difficult to date events; elders may die before recording; the narrator may be biased. (1 mark each.)

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