An Introduction to Kenya
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Kenya is located in the East Africa
region and it takes its name from Mt Kenya which is the
second highest mountain in Africa. The capital city of
Kenya Nairobi. The other cities are Mombasa and Kisumu.
Major towns include Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, Embu, Meru,
Thika and Kakamega. |
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Map of Africa showing Kenya (shaded in black) |
Kenya is the land of captive diversity. From the beautiful
soft sandy beaches at the coast; the magnificent view of the
snow peaked Mount Kenya to the diverse habitats in the
breathtaking Rift valley with its abundant wildlife that
includes the world-renowned wild beast migration in the Masai
Mara; not forgetting the unique and diverse culture and
traditions in the variety of music, song, dance and cuisine.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It became a center in
1899 during the construction of the Mombasa to Kisumu railway.
The Maasai called it Ewaso Nairobi, meaning (stream of cold
water). Nairobi served as the provincial capital of the British
colony until it became the capital of British East Africa in
1907. In 1963, the town became the capital of independent Kenya.
Mombasa goes back some 2000 years and is the second largest
city in Kenya. It is built on an island covering an area of
about 295sq km. The city was originally called Manbasa by Arab
traders of the 11th century and was the center of trade
primarily exporting ivory and slaves. It has retained its status
as the leading trading center in the coast region and is also
now an international port receiving vessels from all over the
world. Mombasa is strongly influenced by Arabic culture and this
is quite evident in the food, the dress and the architecture.
Today this coastal island is a melting pot of different cultures
and religions.
Culture
For many the Maasai are the definitive symbol of tribal Kenya.
This the only tribe that has maintained its culture to date.
With a reputation as fierce warriors and proud demeanour, the
tribe has managed to stay outside the mainstream of development
in Kenya and still maintains large cattle herds along the
Tanzanian border.
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