Brief History

In 2000 BC, Cushitic-speaking people from North Africa settled in the area that is now called Kenya. In the first century AD, Persian, and Arab traders began to visit and settle along the coast. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Kenya in 1498. The British began to colonize Kenya during the 1800s. In 1895, they created the East African Protectorate, and in 1920 Kenya was made an official British colony. During the 1950s, Kenyan rebels called the Mau Mau began to fight against the British. Kenya gained full independence from Britain on December 12, 1963. The first president of Kenya was Jomo Kenyatta, who led until he died in 1978.

National Flag

The Kenyan flag was designed when the country became independent in 1963. The black stripe symbolizes the people, red represents the struggle for independence, and green symbolizes agriculture. The Massai shield and spears are in the flag’s center–they represent the will to defend freedom.

Geography

Kenya is located in East Africa and shares its border with Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania Uganda, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s physical geography is diverse, with low coastal plains, mountains, and plateaus.

World Land Mass Ranking: 48th

Highest Mountain: Mount Kenya, 5,199 m (17,057 ft)

Longest River: Rio Minho, 92 km (58 mi)

Main Languages

Swahili

Kenya Population: 57 million (as of 2023)

Capital City: Nairobi

Capital City Population: 5 million (as of 2023)

Climate

The climate of Kenya varies from region to region. The west and southwest highlands are subtropical, the coast is hot and humid, and north and east Kenya is hot and dry. Kenya’s annual precipitation is about 680 mm.

Key People

Wangari Maathai
Jomo Kenyatta
Catherine Ndereba
Eliud Kipchoge

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  Cuisine

  Although different communities have their own native foods, some ingredients are universal staples in Kenya. Ugali is a staple of Kenyan cuisine. It is a type of corn meal made from maize or corn flour. Nyama Choma, which is barbecued meat, is Kenya’s unofficial national dish. The main crops in Kenya are maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, and beans.

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  Sports

  The most popular sport in Kenya is football (soccer), and the Kenyan national football team is the Harharambee Stars. Other sports that are popular in Kenya include basketball, volleyball, and netball. Kenya has been competing in the Summer Olympics since 1956. In total, Kenyan athletes have won 103 Olympic Medals.

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  Culture

  Kenya has a rich historical, cultural, and national heritage. There are many ethnic groups in Kenya, and although the national language is Swahili, there are many different languages spoken in Kenya. Literature, music, dance, and arts and crafts are all important aspects of Kenyan culture. Religiously, the majority of the country identifies as Christian, followed by Islam.

  Kenya is a beautiful country with wonderful people.