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KENYA - NAIROBI
FAST FACTS
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
• Kenya was once known as British Kenya, as it was part of the British Empire in Africa from 1920 to 1963. Kenya gained independence from Britain on the 12th December 1963, and this date now represents the country’s National Day, Jamhuri Day.
• Kenya shares borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania.
- • There are 42 ethnic groups in Kenya, all with different languages and different customs.
• There are over 60 languages spoken in Kenya.
• While Kenya may only have two official languages, Kiswahili (also referred to as Swahili) and English, there are around 68 languages spoken throughout the country.
• The first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize was from Kenya. Remember the name Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspirational woman was a Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
• Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa. Another interesting fact about Kenya is that after Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa.
- • Kenya’s national animal is the East African Lion. The national animal of Kenya is the East African lion, a species currently considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The African Lion is one of the Big 5, joining other magnificent African animals including the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhinoceros.
• Coffee is the country’s most valuable export. In March 2021, Kenya exported coffee to the value of approximately 4.56 billion Kenyan shillings, over 40.2 million in US dollars.
- • Kenya is the world’s leading safari destination. Kenya has been recognised by the World Travel Awards as the world’s leading safari destination for 2021, a position it has held for seven years now. With 50 epic national parks and reserves that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.
• Lake Turkana in Kenya is home to a huge flamingo population. Lake Turkana is also the largest lake in Kenya and the world’s largest desert lake.
• 3/4 of people in Kenya work in agriculture. Kenya produces lots of tea and coffee beans which are used all across the world.
- • One of the most common foods is called Ugali. Ugali is a porridge made from maize, which is a type of corn. It’s salty and similar to mashed potato but not as smooth. It is eaten with a stew of vegetables and meat.
• Kenyans are also known to be great athletes as almost 75% of all gold medal winners in long distance running come from Kenya.
• Lamu Old Town is one of seven UNESCO world heritage sites and great for cultural trips to explore the region's history. The influence of the Arab traders and Portuguese explorers can be seen when visiting the island's fort and colonial buildings.
• The city's main landmark, the Mombasa Tusks, on Moi Avenue were built in 1952 to commemorate a visit of Queen Elizabeth II. The aluminium tusks mark today the entrance to the commercial city center.
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