Kenya

Overview

Kenya is an East African country located on the equator. It is one of the most developed countries in Africa.

It is widely known because of its beautiful landscapes and large wildlife reserves. The Indian coast port has been used for many years to let in goods from Arabian and Asian traders into the continent. Majority of the coastal settlements are by Muslim and Swahili. The inland have highlands where coffee and tea is planted. The reserves are also home to the ‘big five’ wild animals. The western regions have lakes and rivers where fishing is popular but the north is a semi-desert region.

The country’s broad geography and varying wildlife attract tourists who contribute largely to its economy.

Majority of the exports come from textile, coffee, tea and horticultural industries.

The country rift valley also holds signs that it could have been the cradle for humankind. Approximately 3.3 million BC, evidence of the earliest human tools were discovered along the Great Rift Valley. Anthropologists suggest that this was the root of humanity whose descendants shifted to populate the world.

Kenya was a British protectorate. In 1944, the Kenyan African Union (KAU) was formed that campaigned for African Independence. Eliud Mathu was the first African member to be nominated by a British Governor as a representative of the African community. Kenya gained independence in 1963 and became a republic on 12th December 1964.

The Great Rift Valley at Samburu Game Preserve. Beisa oryx graze in the foreground.

The country has had very close ties with western countries especially with the USA which made it a terrorist target with the US embassy in Nairobi being bombed by the Al-Qaeda operatives in 1998.

It is also home to a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

The country is largely known for peace. However, in 2007, there were deadly ethnic clashes that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced after a disputed general election. The conflict was later solved by forming a unity government.

As of 2019, Kenya had a population of 47.564 million.

The official languages are English and Swahili. The predominant religion is Christianity. The education system comprises of eight years of primary education, four years of secondary education and four years of university level.

Some of the most celebrated sports include athletics, boxing, sports car racing and football. It is actually home to some of the world best athletes.

Kenya is bordered by South Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the south and Lake Victoria and Uganda to the west.

History

Swahili trading towns flourished on the coast for centuries before Kenya became a British colony in 1920. The Mau Mau uprising of the 1950s helped bring independence in 1963.

Food & culture

Ugali, a stiff maize porridge, is eaten with sukuma wiki (collard greens) and nyama choma (grilled meat). Swahili cuisine on the coast uses coconut and spices.

Wildlife

The Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and Samburu reserves are home to the Big Five, cheetahs and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Festivals & events

The Lamu Cultural Festival celebrates Swahili heritage, and Jamhuri Day on 12 December marks independence.

Things to see

The Masai Mara during the Great Migration, Amboseli with Kilimanjaro behind, Lake Nakuru's flamingos, Lamu's old town and the beaches of Diani.

Interesting facts

Kenyan runners have dominated distance running for decades. Kenya straddles the equator.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Kenya

Lewa Safari Marathon

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy · usually June

Run through a wildlife conservancy, with rangers and helicopters keeping the animals at a distance. It raises money for conservation.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya

1 of 8 visited. See every site I've been to.

Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley 2011
Fort Jesus Museum 2011
Lake Turkana National Parks 1997
Lamu Old Town
Mount Kenya National Park 1997
Ruins of Gedi 2024
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests 2008
Thimlich Ohinga 2018

My photos from Kenya

September 2019 Overlanding East Africa - Oasis Overland + Extras

Nakuru, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Marsabit

Whole trip gallery

Plan your trip to Kenya

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