Top 12 Interesting Kenya Facts ~ discover this amazing African country!
Kenya is an East African country known for its stunning landscapes and extensive animal reserves. For many centuries, its Indian Ocean coast provided historically significant ports through which goods from Arabian and Asian traders entered the continent. Along that coast, which has some of Africa's best beaches, are predominantly Muslim Swahili cities like Mombasa, a historic center that has contributed significantly to the country's musical and culinary heritage.Inland, the populated highlands are famous for their tea plantations, which were an economic staple during the British colonial era, and their diverse animal species, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. Kenya's western provinces are wooded, with lakes and rivers, while a tiny area of the north is desert and semidesert. The country's unique wildlife and scenic environment attract many European and North American visitors, and tourism contributes significantly to Kenya's economy. Nairobi, Kenya's capital, is a large city that, like many other African metropolises, is a study in contrasts, with contemporary skyscrapers overlooking enormous shantytowns in the distance, many of which are home to refugees escaping civil conflicts in neighboring countries. Older, more prosperous neighborhoods are ethnically mixed and well-served by utilities and other amenities. In contrast, the tents and hastily assembled shacks that ring the city are organized tribally and even locally, since whole rural villages have relocated to the more promising city in some cases.
Kenya has a rich legacy of oral and written literature, including numerous tales that speak to the characteristics of determination and endurance, which are crucial and generally held traits given the country's experience throughout the war for independence. In his views on one mythical figure, Kikuyu writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o, one of the country's best-known authors globally, tackles these concerns: Our hero was a little, feeble hare full of inventive wit. We sympathized with him as he battled predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. His wins were our successes, and we discovered that the seemingly weak can outsmart the seemingly mighty.
Kenya's many peoples are well known to foreigners, thanks in large part to the British colonial administration's willingness to study them. Anthropologists and other social scientists have chronicled the lifestyles of the Maasai, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, and Kikuyu peoples, to mention a few. European and Asian immigration from many countries contributes to the country's ethnic diversity. Kenyans are proud of their individual cultures and traditions, but they also recognize the importance of national solidarity; Kenya's government has emphasized the importance of "Harambee" (Swahili for "pulling together") since independence.
Kenya is well-known for its gorgeous tourist spots, and there is a lot of interest in the country. So here's a rundown of the top 12 Kenya facts.
1. The Name "Kenya":
It is believed that the name derives from the Kikuyu phrase for Mount Kenya, 'Kirinyaga.' Mount Kenya is a snow-capped peak located directly on the Equator, and it is revered in various Kenyan indigenous tribes' traditional faiths.
2. Wonderful Climate:
Kenya does not have genuine winter or summer seasons like Europe or North America, hence both of these seasons are pretty moderate and pleasant in Kenya. In fact, we are not exaggerating when we claim that Kenya boasts some of the nicest weather in the world. Pleasant most of the year, with two rainy seasons, and in many locations, even when it rains, it all clears up to sunny blue skies. Except near the humid coast, where daytime temperatures can reach the upper 30s, there is no need for air conditioning or fans.
3. Diverse Geography:
For a country smaller than large US states or India's UP state, Kenya has some seriously spectacular geographical features, such as the Great Rift Valley, snow-capped Mount Kenya, several smaller mountains and volcanoes, numerous lakes, large and small, fresh water and salt water, vibrant rivers, and up to 5 different vegetation zones, ranging from deserts in the north of the country to lush forests just a few hunches away. There is a lot of variety. Within Kenya, a one-hour flight may take you across five distinct vegetation zones.
4. Wildlife:
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and others
Kenya is home to a diverse range of creatures, including hundreds of mammal and bird species. It is well known that when on a safari in Kenya, it is possible to see the "Big Five" and even the "Big Nine," as well as countless bird species and anything from hippos in a lake to endangered Black Rhinos on the savannah, all in a single day!
The best part? These creatures are typically born free and live free in enormous protected areas covering hundreds of square kilometers.
5. Beaches and the Indian Ocean:
Kenya has a long coastline that meets the Indian Ocean. Importantly, it is endowed with some really gorgeous white sand beaches that are protected by coral reefs [free of sharks] and are usually palm-fringed. [providing natural shade for your beach activities].
6. Kenya's Population:
It is predicted that Kenya's population would reach 55 million by 2021. Kenya is now ranked 27th among the world's most populated countries. About 28% of the population resides in cities, and the median age of Kenyans is around 20 years, indicating that Kenya has a young population.
7. Historical Background:
Former British Colony Kenya was a British colony from the late 1890s until 1963, when the country gained independence under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta, the country's first President and regarded as the nation's founding father. Following independence, Kenya established a parliamentary form of government.
8. Nairobi and Mombasa are the two largest cities in Kenya.
Kenya has only a few significant cities, the largest being Nairobi, the country's capital. Nairobi is a beautiful city that is typically clean and contemporary, recognized for its abundant greenery but also for its enormous slum sections like Kibera. It lacks a contemporary public transportation infrastructure, therefore there is no underground or overhead rail network, and the roads are congested during peak hours. Mombasa is the primary coastline and port city, having a history that dates back to 900 A.D.
9. Religion:
Kenya is largely Christian, although there are considerable amounts of Muslims and other faiths, such as Hindus, who coexist peacefully. Kenya has complete religious freedom, and most people actively follow their religion, with most churches hosting a well-attended weekly Sunday service. Kenya has numerous stunning churches, temples, and mosques.
10. Long-distance runners and the Safari Rally Motor Race
Kenyan athletes are accustomed to consistently winning major marathons and long-distance competitions throughout the world. Many of these well-known runners are from the Northern Rift Valley region of Kenya. Football is the most popular activity, but the most famous sport in Kenya is the yearly World Rally Championship Safari Rally, a world-renowned motor rallying event that is regarded as a pinnacle test of man and machine. After a 12-year layoff, this race will return to the WRC championship in 2020.
11. Tribes:
It is well known that Kenya has various tribes, including the well-known Maasai tribe, who live mostly in the area surrounding Masai Mara and Amboseli in Kajiado county. Kenya is home to approximately 40 ethnic tribes, each with its own set of customs and culture. The Asian community is Kenya's newest legally recognized tribe as of 2017.
12. Food in Kenya:
The majority of the food consumed in Kenya is cultivated on big-scale farms throughout the nation. Ugali, produced from maize meal, is a mainstay of native cuisine. In terms of cuisine, you can expect to discover a range of high-quality restaurants in Nairobi, and meals served even on safari frequently reach or surpass the basic International standards applicable to 4 and 5-star hotels. Other well-known local cuisines include:
- Nyama Choma (Roasted Meat on the Bone)
- Githeri is a red bean and maize mixture.
- Chapati is a wheat flour flat bread that is often cooked on a flat pan and eaten on its own or with meat or vegetable stew.
- Samosas are fried Indian pastries with a meat or vegetable filling.
- Mokimo is a dish made of mashed potatoes, green vegetables, and sometimes maize and beans.
