Kenneth Kaunda, also known as KK, was a Zambian politician who served as the first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule. Dissatisfied with Harry Nkumbula's leadership of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress, he broke away and founded the Zambian African National Congress, later becoming the head of the socialist United National Independence Party (UNIP).
Kaunda in 1983
Kaunda with UNIP supporters after a meeting with Iain Macleod, Colonial Secretary, in March 1960
Italian president Giuseppe Saragat and Kenneth Kaunda in 1966
Kaunda in Frankfurt, West Germany, 1970
The president of Zambia is the head of state and the head of government of Zambia. The office was first held by Kenneth Kaunda following independence in 1964. Since 1991, when Kaunda left the presidency, the office has been held by seven others: Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu and the current president Hakainde Hichilema, who won the 2021 presidential election. In addition, acting president Guy Scott served in an interim capacity after the death of President Michael Sata.
President of Zambia
Image: Kenneth David Kaunda
Image: Levy Mwanawasa
Image: Rupiah Banda 2010 11 18