Kenya

Fact file Currency: Kenyan shilling Language: Swahili, English Capital City: Nairobi Largest City: Nairobi Religion: Christian (83%) Population: 43,013,341 Type of government: Semi-presidential

republic Exchange rate: 1 Kenyan shilling = 0.0090

euros

Requirements Visas:To get a visitors visa to Kenya this is processed within 24 hours at the Kenya Embassy in Dublin. Otherwise most EU citizens can apply on arrival at the airport in Nairobi or any entry point to Kenya

Vaccinations: Diphtheria Tetanus Poliomyelitis Typhoid Hepatitis A Also it is advised that you would take anti malaria drugs.

o Kenya is made up of a rich mosaic of different people each representing unique cultures which when brought together, add up to the overall vibrancy of the country.

o The country has a total of 42 officially recognized tribes.

o Each of these tribes has their own unique language, cultural practices, staple food, and style of dress, dance, music and instruments.

o However Kenyans are united by two official languages: English and Kiswahili.

Kenyan Culture

Turkana girl

Maasai Moran

Kenyan tribes Swahili People

Central People – kikuyu transitional dance dress

Maasai Moran Dancers

Sports

Since the first appearance in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Kenya has produced more world record holders and Olympic medallists in long distance running than any other country in the world. 

Kenya still tops in world sporting events dominating the middle and long distance marathon.

Kenya’s high quality training grounds have played a big part in developing world class athletes. There are several high altitude training camps in Kenya that attract many International athletes for example the Iten training camp.

Good, light safari wear is recommended for game driving. At dusk long sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended to maximise protection against insects. Beach wear is suitable for the coast (in resorts and on the beach) but in Lamu make sure you respect Muslim custom by covering up when in this area.

Dress code

Politics of Kenya The Politics of Kenya take place in a framework

of a semi - presidential  representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Kenya is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system.

The president of Kenya is Mwai Kibaki

Religion

CuisineName of food Ingredients

1. Ugali (Cornmeal Staple) Made from cornmeal that is added to boiling water.

2. (Mashed Peas and Potato Mix) The most famous dishes in Kenya, a food that originated as a Kikuyu staple.

3. Githeri (Beans and Corn) Kenyan dish that consists of boiled beans, corn kernels, and vegetables.

4. Kenyan Pilau (Spiced Rice)  A combination of rice cooked with flavour bursting spices. 

5. Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)  White rice is cooked with grated coconut meat to create a fragrant twist on plain boiled rice.

Capital city – Nairobi Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city. The name "Nairobi" comes from the

Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi, which translates to "cold water", the Maasai name of the Nairobi river, which in turn lent its name to the city.

Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with a current estimated population of about 3 million.

Home to thousands of Kenyan businesses and over 100 major international companies and organisations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Famous person from Kenya Rudisha, the greatest 800m runner in history,

broke his own world record at the Olympic Stadium and won Gold in 1m 40.91sec, he became the first man in history to run two laps of the track in under 1min 41sec, finishing in 1:40.91. Rudisha is famed to have only lost one out of his 46 tracks, he is unbelievably talented.

Top 3 places to visit1. MAASAI MARA

This is the Kenyan portion of the great Serengeti Plains, which means that it is quite simply one of the most astounding game parks in the world. Wildlife of all sorts is abundant here, but the particular attraction of the Maasai Mara has always been the migration of its enormous herds of wildebeest.

2. AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

The most distinguishing feature of the Amboseli Park is its dramatic setting, just below Mt. Kilamanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, rises a majestic 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), in full view of the park.

Most of the game can be found clinging to the swamps and grasslands in the centre of the park, an oasis for buffalo, lions, cheetah, and over 420 species of birds.

3. LAKE BOGORIA RESERVE

This is popularly known for its bubbling hot springs and steaming geysers. The Spas and hot springs geysers are known for their therapeutic value. Nothing in the world beats relaxation and unwinding in the spa pool. Lake Bogoria Spa Resort is the only Resort in Kenya with a naturally heated Spa pool- ‘the healing place.’ This coupled with the singing birds make it a true paradise for tourists, the Lake boasts of some 472 bird species.

SafariList of top 3 Safari lodges to stay in1. Tortilis Camp From $320 Per person sharing/Per night Tortilis Camp is an exclusive and elegant lodge, situated in

the Kitirua Private Conservancy, bordering Amboseli National Park.

2. Borana Ranch From $560 Per person sharing/Per night Borana Ranch sits on the foothills of the mighty Mount

Kenya, with the snow-tipped peaks to the south and a panorama of mountains and rugged desert to the north.

3. Lewa Safari Camp From $320 Per person sharing/Per night Lewa Safari Camp is located within the Lewa Wildlife

Conservancy, which forms part of the Laikipia Private Conservancies

Accommodation BEACH HOLIDAY - MOMBASA

This is Kenya’s second city has undoubtedly one of the best white sandy beaches in Africa. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean cater to all types of tourists: those looking for a quiet swim, a place for kids to play, deep-sea fishing, and water sporting activities such as scuba diving and sailing.

See local people in their settlements and traditional African villages, palm- and mango-tree forests. Don’t forget to try the local Mnazi drink (Coconut).

AccommodationISLAND BREAK - LAMU

There is only one automobile on the island-town of Lamu, and it belongs to the District Commissioner. That the next fastest available vehicle here is a donkey-drawn cart is testimony to Lamu's biggest charm - it is timelessness. The island has changed little over the centuries and long white sandy beaches stretch throughout the island.

The resilient beaches of Lamu are some of the best in Kenya, with the finest being at Shela Island. Off-shore scuba diving can also arranged, and for those interested in taking a dhow voyage.