Kenya lies on the equator on the Eastern side of Africa. The country is famous for its wildlife reserves such as Tsavo National Park, Masaai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Aberdares National Park and Nairobi National; Park. Kenya is a multi ethnic state as the modern state comprises the cross roads of the Bantu, the Nilo-Saharan, and the Afro-Asiatic linguistic areas of Africa. European and Arab presence in the coast dates to the early 18th century. Kenya is divided into 47 counties which are semi-autonomous units of governance.
The country is also famous for its world class athletes who have dominated world athletics since the 70s.
Capital City
Kenya’s Capital city is Nairobi. Nairobi was founded in 1899 as a railway depot on the Mombasa, Uganda railway line. Pre-European settlers the Masaai grazed their cattle and let them drink in the Nairobi River . This is where the city got its name which is from a Masaai phrase 'enkare nyirobi'meaning land of cool waters. It is also known as 'the city in the sun'. It is the only city that has a national park.
During colonial times it grew fast to become the British E.A. capital and at independence became Kenya's capital city. It has a population of approximately four million inhabitants and is the forth largest city in Africa in infrastructure. A number of international organizations like the United Nations Environmental Programme have their head quarters in Nairobi. Nairobi is seen to be the economic hub of East Africa.
With the high number of foreigners living in Nairobi it is a very cosmopolitan city.
Attractions
Kenya has a horde of attractions for the amusement of the young and old alike. Some of its attractions include;
- Its mountains; Mt Kenya is the second highest Mountain in Africa.
- White sandy beaches both in the North and south coat and around Lake Victoria to the west of the country
- The Mara
- Baloon Safari
- Volcanic springs
- Wildebeest migration in the Mara between June and September
- The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.
- Lake Nakuru a great bird sanctuary with one of the biggest population of flamingos in the world
The People
Kenya has 42 different people groups and a population of nearly 42 million. The main ethnic groups in Kenya are Kikuyu, Luhya and Luo other tribes are Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii , Meru, Somali and Miji kenda groups. The Masaai are famous despite being a minority because of tourism and close proximity to the Savannah areas and the lions.
Kenya is a diverse country. Kenya has an extensive music, television and theatre scene.
The Weather
Kenya is situated right on the equator so the weather is warm most of the year. geography is as diverse as its multi-ethnic population. Around the coast is a warm humid climate which changes to wildlife rich Savannah grasslands. The coolest areas are as you approach Mt Kenya which has three snow caped peaks. Towards Lake Victoria the climate is once more warm and humid. The western zones are mountainous and forested. The north Eastern regions are arid and semi arid with near desert landscapes.The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.
Traveling
The main International Airport in Kenya is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Most international visitors arriving in the country will arrive via this airport. The Visa policy uses the principle of reciprocity, thus all countries that require visas for Kenyans are visa prone in Kenya. Visa Fees:Visa Fees is USD 100
Investment Opportunities
Kenya is East and Central Africa’s largest economy. It has shown growth in the services sector that has been boosted by telecommunication and financial activity(These services sectors contribute 62% of the GDP). 22 percent comes from agriculture. Industry and manufacturing is the smallest sector at 16%. The world Bank predicts a 4.9% growth in 2011. Kenya is part of the East African Community, COMESA, African Economic Community and IGAD
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What to bring
Insect repellant. If traveling to other East African countries you will need to have a yellow fever jab. It is wise to do this in good time and not at the border.
Some famous Kenyans
Some famous Kenyans include Paul Tergat, David Rudisha, M.G. Vassanji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Wangari Mathaai, Jua Cali, Lucas Onyango,Catherin Ndereba, John Ngugi, Samuel Wanjiru, Bernard Lagat and Steve Tikolo, Ali Mazrui, Prof Peter Amollo Odhiambo, Prof Calestous Juma, Marjorie Macgoye, Meja Mwangi, Grace Ogot, the Leakeys ; Mary,Dr. Richard, Dr. Meave and Louis Leakey, Geoffrey Griffin.
