Kenyatta was the leader of Kenya from independence in 1963 to his death in 1978 , serving first as Prime Minister ( 1963 -- 64 ) and then as President ( 1964 -- 78 ) .
He was the leader of Kenya from independence in 1963 to his death in 1978 . He served first as Prime Minister ( 1963 -- 64 ) and then as President ( 1964 -- 78 ) .