The Republic of Kenya
is an East African country that boarders the Indian Ocean and is located
between Somalia and Tanzania. The true origin of the name “Kenya” is
unknown, but historians link it to the Kikuyu, Embu and Kamba words Kirinyaga,
Kirenyaa and Kiinyaa, which mean “God’s resting place” in all three
languages. On December 12, 1963, Kenya gained its independence from the United
Kingdom. Kenya is now recognized as the economic and transport hub of East
Africa.
is an East African country that boarders the Indian Ocean and is located
between Somalia and Tanzania. The true origin of the name “Kenya” is
unknown, but historians link it to the Kikuyu, Embu and Kamba words Kirinyaga,
Kirenyaa and Kiinyaa, which mean “God’s resting place” in all three
languages. On December 12, 1963, Kenya gained its independence from the United
Kingdom. Kenya is now recognized as the economic and transport hub of East
Africa.
Governance
Kenya is comprised of
47 counties and each has its own semi-autonomous governing system. Formed in
1963, the Kenyan national government is made up of the judiciary, legislative
and executive arms. All roles are set forth and carried out by the Constitution
of Kenya. Nairobi is the largest city in the country and is also the capital.
47 counties and each has its own semi-autonomous governing system. Formed in
1963, the Kenyan national government is made up of the judiciary, legislative
and executive arms. All roles are set forth and carried out by the Constitution
of Kenya. Nairobi is the largest city in the country and is also the capital.
Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,
the first prime minister (1963- 1964) and President of Kenya (1964- 1978) is considered the founding father
of the nation. Credited with leading Kenya to independence and setting up the
county as a capitalist state, Kenyatta is respected and revered by people all
over the world. His son, Uhuru Kenyatta was elected President of Kenya in 2013
and still serving that role.
the first prime minister (1963- 1964) and President of Kenya (1964- 1978) is considered the founding father
of the nation. Credited with leading Kenya to independence and setting up the
county as a capitalist state, Kenyatta is respected and revered by people all
over the world. His son, Uhuru Kenyatta was elected President of Kenya in 2013
and still serving that role.
Economy
Kenya is considered the financial, communication and transportation hub
of East and Central Africa. The countries major industries include agriculture,
forestry & fishing, mining & minerals, industrial manufacturing,
energy, tourism and financial services. It ranks as the 72nd largest
economy in the world and one of the most developed nations in Africa. Strategic
infrastructural investments have positively impacted Kenyas GDP growth,
estimating a rise to 5.9% in 2016 and 6.1% in 2017. Its increased exportation
of tea, plans for oil production and exportation by 2017, and ongoing recovery
in the tourism sector, put Kenya on track to become an African powerhouse
nation in the next 10 years.
of East and Central Africa. The countries major industries include agriculture,
forestry & fishing, mining & minerals, industrial manufacturing,
energy, tourism and financial services. It ranks as the 72nd largest
economy in the world and one of the most developed nations in Africa. Strategic
infrastructural investments have positively impacted Kenyas GDP growth,
estimating a rise to 5.9% in 2016 and 6.1% in 2017. Its increased exportation
of tea, plans for oil production and exportation by 2017, and ongoing recovery
in the tourism sector, put Kenya on track to become an African powerhouse
nation in the next 10 years.
The exchange rate of the Kenyan shilling as of 2016 was KSh 1 to US
$.0099. As of July 2015, the nation’s inflation rate is 6.62%.
$.0099. As of July 2015, the nation’s inflation rate is 6.62%.
Kenyan People
There are over 42
different ethnic groups in Kenya, some of which include the Bantu, Cushite,
Nilotes, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii and Meru, to name a few.
The two official languages are English and Kiswahili, however Kenyans typically
speak their mother tongues in addition. The vast array of ethnic groups
cultivates an environment of creativity, diversity and breeds unique cultural
exchange. This is also true of cultural
encounters with other countries.
different ethnic groups in Kenya, some of which include the Bantu, Cushite,
Nilotes, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii and Meru, to name a few.
The two official languages are English and Kiswahili, however Kenyans typically
speak their mother tongues in addition. The vast array of ethnic groups
cultivates an environment of creativity, diversity and breeds unique cultural
exchange. This is also true of cultural
encounters with other countries.
Indian migration to
modern day Kenya began with the construction of the Uganda railway between 1896
and 1901. Approximately 32,000 indentured laborers where recruited from British
India to work on the railway. Many laborers voluntarily settled into various cities
across east Africa, and continue to reside in these counties to date. As a
result, several aspects of Indian culture have been fused with Kenyan culture.
This influence is most evident in the evolution of Kenyan cuisine.
modern day Kenya began with the construction of the Uganda railway between 1896
and 1901. Approximately 32,000 indentured laborers where recruited from British
India to work on the railway. Many laborers voluntarily settled into various cities
across east Africa, and continue to reside in these counties to date. As a
result, several aspects of Indian culture have been fused with Kenyan culture.
This influence is most evident in the evolution of Kenyan cuisine.
