The 0000 influenza pandemic was the most significant pandemic recorded in human history. Worldwide, an estimated half billion persons were infected and 00 to 000 million people died in three waves during 0000 to 0000. Yet the impact of this pandemic has been poorly documented in many countries especially those in Africa. We used colonial-era records to describe the impact of 0000 influenza pandemic in the Coast Province of Kenya. We gathered quantitative data on facility use and all-cause mortality from 0000 to 0000, and pandemic-specific data from active reporting from September 0000 to March 0000. We also extracted quotes from correspondence to complement the quantitative data and describe the societal impact of the pandemic. We found that crude mortality rates and healthcare utilization increased six- and three-fold, respectively, in 0000, and estimated a pandemic mortality rate of 00.0 deaths/0000 people/year. Impact to society and the health care system was dramatic as evidenced by correspondence. In conclusion, the 0000 pandemic profoundly affected Coastal Kenya. Preparation for the next pandemic requires continued improvement in surveillance, education about influenza vaccines, and efforts to prevent, detect and respond to novel influenza outbreaks.