Kenya Mrs. Longwell

Map of kenya

Geography of kenya Climate – The equator runs across Kenya, so the weather is hot. During the wet seasons (April to June, and October to November), it can rain for several hours a day. The rest of the year is dry, especially in the deserts of the north. Terrain – Savannas, the Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Natural resources – limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower Agriculture Land – 48.1% Environment Current Issues - water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching

People of kenya Population – 46,790,758 Ethnic Groups – Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% Religions – The majority of Kenyans are Christians and 11% are Muslims Languages – English and Swahili (also called Kiswahili) are Kenya's official languages. Life Expectancy - 64 years Literacy rate males – 81.1% Literacy rate females – 74.9%

Government of kenya Government Type – Presidential Republic Capital – Nairobi Independence date – December 12, 1963 Independence from – United Kingdom National Symbols - lion

Economy of Kenya GDP per capita – 2015 was $3,200 Agricultural Products – tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, fish, pork, poultry, eggs Industries – small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism Labor Force by Occupation – agriculture: 75% and industry and services: 25% Unemployment Rate – 40% Population below poverty - 43.4% Export Commodities – tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement Export Partners – Uganda 11.2%, US 8.3%, Tanzania 8.1%, Netherlands 7.4%, UK 6%, Pakistan 4.2% Import Commodities – machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics Import Partners – China 30%, India 15.5%, UAE 5.7%, US 4.8%, Japan 4.7%

History of Kenya Event 1 – In 1498, Portuguese explorers arrived on the Kenyan coast. The Portuguese established trading posts and built a large fort at Mombasa. In doing so they controlled the sea trading routes linking Europe and Asia. Event 2 – At the end of the 1800s, the British took an interest in Kenya. They wanted to take over the area around Lake Victoria, British farmers were encouraged to settle in Kenya and grow crops such as coffee beans. The British also introduced Christianity Event 3- Kenyans found that being a British colony was a heavy burden. The local people were forced onto poor land, since the best land was taken for British farms. Kenyans established organizations to fight against the British. One of these groups, the Mau Mau, began attacking the British in 1952.

Culture Games and Sports Holidays Kenyans play soccer more than any other sport. Kenyans are also among the best long-distance runners in the world. Field hockey, cricket (similar to baseball), and rugby are also popular Jamhuri Day, is celebrated on December 12th. It is the anniversary of Kenya’s independence from Britain in 1963. People visit friends and family and eat big meals. They watch the Jamhuri Day Cup soccer game. Choir performances and parades are also held The Muslims celebrate Idul-Fitr, a three- day feast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, after which they eat meals and visit one another.

Culture Food Ugali, githeri and collard greens Many people in Kenya don’t have refrigerators, so they eat a lot of grains and other foods that won’t spoil easily. The most common food is ugali, a thick dough made from ground corn. Kenyans eat ugali with green vegetables, beans, and sometimes meat or fish. Sukuma wiki (collard greens) is grown in nearly every garden. Githeri is a dish made from corn and beans cooked together. On the coast, dishes are spicier, and coconuts are used to make sauces. Many different kinds of fruit are popular in Kenya, including pineapples, mangoes, oranges, bananas, plantains, and papaya. 

Culture Schools Life as a Kid Schooling is free, and classes go from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students wear uniforms with their school colors. All classes are now taught in English, though students do learn Swahili as well. Schools in general have suffered from not enough money. Most Kenyan kids live in the countryside. Families usually have small farms, where every family member needs to help. Even the smallest children do their part. They help out with the seeding and planting, take care of the family cattle, and fetch water from the nearest stream or well. Kenyan kids often make their own toys using sticks, old wires, and bottle tops, and they make soccer balls out of plastic bags

Flag of kenya Black represents the African majority, red represents blood, green represents abundance, and white represents peace. The symbol in the center, a Maasai shield and two spears, shows Kenya's willingness to defend its freedom.

Did you know? Kenya’s elephants and rhinos have been hunted for their valuable ivory tusks for a long time. To protect these animals, Kenya has made the ivory trade illegal. Some of the world’s oldest human fossils have been found in Kenya. The Maasai tribe are famous for the men’s jumping dance. Maasai women wear beautiful bead necklaces. For many Maasai, a main food source is cow’s blood mixed with milk. Only about half of all Kenyans have access to basic health care. Hospital patients have to provide their own medicine and meals.

Place to visit #1 – Nairobi National Forest At the main gates of Nairobi National Park, this orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program is a must-see for animal lovers. The center cares for young abandoned elephants and rhinos and works to release the animals back into the wild. Visitors can commune with these lovable creatures as they frolic in the mud and drink from giant baby bottles. Hours: Open daily 11am-noon Address: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi

Place to visit #2 Mt. Kilimanjaro While the majority of Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania it also sits on the border between Kenya and Tanzania.  Towering at over 19,000 feet Mount Kilimanjaro is the 4th largest free standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa.  Its great for hiking and other outdoor activities and many say that the best views of the great mountain come from Kenya. In order to get to the mountain you will have to cross into Tanzania and pick a good tour guide.  Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and the highest in all of Kenya.  Outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts have two of the best mountains at their fingertips in Kenya.

Place to visit #3 Mombasa beach BEACH! BEACH! BEACH! Mombasa is one of the main Kenya tourist attractions outside of an African safari.  Gorgeous beaches line the area like Watamu and Tiwi beach.  They even have isolated beaches like Lamu.  Watamu has great coral reefs providing great diving and snorkeling activities.  There are also cultural and historical sites to see such as Hindu temples, Gede ruins in malindi, and even Fort Jesus.

Summary