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ABOUT KENYA

Capital (and largest city) Nairobi

1°16'S, 36°48'E

Official languages: Swahili and English

Government Republic

President: Mwai Kibaki

Prime Minister: Raila Odinga

Independence: From the United Kingdom

Date: December 12, 1963

Republic declared: December 12, 1964

Area: Total 580,367 km² (47th) 224,080 sq mi

Water: (%) 2.3

Population: July 2005 estimate 34,707,8171 (34th)

8 February 2007 census: 31,138,735

Density: 59/km² (140th) 153/sq mi

GDP (PPP): 2005 estimate Total $48.33 billion (76th)

Per capita: $1,445 (156th)

Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)

Time zone: EAT (UTC+3)

Calling code: +254

History of Kenya

Kenya is regarded as the cradle of civilization, as ancient hominoid dating back 2 1/2 million years were discovered in Rift Valley. From the New Stone Age, Kenya became a major migratory route for pastoral nomads from different parts of Africa in search of fertile land. As different tribes migrated throughout the valley they exchanged and developed cultures that are still identifiable in modern tribes today. Four basic population groups continue to exist today: the Hamitic, Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, and Bantu. The Kenyan coastal region was influenced by Arabs and Persians who came to the East African coast to trade. Here, native and foreign cultures blended to create a new language and distinct community called Swahili.

During the 19th century, Europeans started exploring Kenya and developing increasingly economic and political interests for this area. By the end of the 19th century most of the continent of Africa was divided into colonies and Britain obtained amongst other Kenya. White settlers slowly migrated to the country lured by the prospect of land.

Both the Maasai and the Kikuyu tribes lost large amounts of land to these European settlers. Their resentment grew deeper after I and II world war and the inevitable conflicts were fully be resolved with the independence in 1963.

Increasing numbers of Kenyans, led by the Kikuyu, formed political groups whose primary focus was the return of their land. Jomo Kenyatta became the first secretary of the East African Association, and later the secretary-general of the Kikuyu Central Association. Later Kenyatta assumed leadership on the Kenya African Union (KAU) and gave a common voice to the disparate groups.

The Kikuyu formed secret societies united in their hatred of the white dominance. From this movement the Kikuyu dominated Mau Mau organization had been formed. Many Kikuyu, including Kenyatta, endorsed a peaceful, more conciliatory path to economic, social, and political equality. Violence erupted in 1952 as the Mau Mau rebellion led to three years of civil war.

 

 


History of Kenya Continued

The colonial government conceded first some political power to the Africans and white settlers began to leave. The first universal elections in the country took lace in May 1963, with an overwhelming victory for Kenyatta and the KANU party.

Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister of Kenya. In his inaugural address he promoted a concept that would eventually become an official motto: Harambee, or pulling together, in building a free nation. Uhuru

Independence became a reality for Kenya on December 12, 1963.
Democracy was established in the new republic and Kenya that since then has been straggling to overcome poverty, corruption and tribal conflicts.

Agriculture

Natural resources form the foundation of much of the Kenyan economy today. Agriculture in particular is a cornerstone of the country's economy employing over 80 percent of the population. In fact, more than 50 percent of export earnings are attributed to agricultural products with cash crops of coffee, tea, tobacco, cotton, sisal, pyrethrum, and cashew nuts leading the way.

Exports of fruit, flowers, and vegetables are also attracting an increasing amount of foreign attention and money. Tea continues to create the largest agricultural profit for Kenya. The primary food crops are beans, cassava, potatoes, maize, sorghum, and fruit. As in the early days of the republic, these crops are mainly harvested as subsistence farming today. Both agricultural productivity and population density are influenced by rainfall.

People in Kenya

Kenya is a cultural microcosm of the larger continent of Africa. Generations of migrations have resulted in a diverse mosaic of cultures and traditions. This melting-pot of peoples is firmly rooted in he framework of tribal tradition. There are more than 40 tribal groupings in this country.

Visas

Visas are required for visitors to Kenya. They can be obtained in the land of origin or at Nairobi airport. Upon entering the country, you will be asked to show the return ticket and 40 USD. Visas are valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. Visas can be renewed in Nairobi at the immigration office Nyayo House.