The Republic of Kenya is one of the most beautiful creations that the creator ever came up with. The ice capped mountain near the equator!, the high ever green high lands, the different topographic features, the different climatic & vegetation divides, the coastal features and the wild life. Its a relatively small country of about 583,000 Sq Kms to have all these but we are talking about Kenya and Yes these features are all there.

History:

The country's history dates to the Stone Age, available evidence from various archeological sites in the country, indicates that man left behind traces of his occupation during the iron age through the pre-colonial period and up to the present time. The type of inhabitants who occupied the country during these periods are not known specifically. Recent history however indicate that, Islamic immigrants started setting at the coast during the 18th Century followed by the Portuguese who are among the first known European settlers along the coast. The Kenyan interior opened up with the arrival of the British in the 19th century who were later to colonize the country.

The modern History of Kenya is characterized by rebellion against the white man from the late 1890s to 1950s. Among these rebellions was the famous Mau Mau rebellion in 1952 which paved way for the constitutional reforms and development in subsequent years. In 1955, a copious of political parties were formed all over the country after the colonial Government give way to their formation. Elections were held in March 1957, after which racial barriers in the Government began to be lifted. By 1960, LEGCO had an African majority. In 1960, Kenya African National Union (KANU), which advocated for a unitary government was formed and In 1961, Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) which advocating for a quasi-federal government (Majimbo) was also formed.

The first full General Elections were held in May 1963. KANU emerged the winner and in June 1963, Kenya attained internal self-government and independence on December 12the the same year. One year later on December 12th 1964, Kenya became a Republic with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as the President. Kenyatta's period was marked by a country trying to recover from colonization, characterized by white mans plantations, land fragmentation and distribution, agricultural development, basic infrastructure development and the emergence of one of the popular fundraising mottos " harambee" meaning people coming together to raise funds for development causes.

Following his death on August 22, 1978, Hon. Daniel arap Moi assumed the Presidency in accordance with the Kenyan Constitution. He ruled Kenya for 25 years. Following a general election held in 2002, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, the third President of the Republic of Kenya took office on 30th December 2002.

From archeological findings in various parts of the country, Kenya goes back to the stone age. Its not clear what inhabitants dates this back. Islamic

Capital city

The capital city is Nairobi a multiracial modern city with all the modern basic and luxurious needs a human being would yearn for. There are interesting places to visit in Nairobi, the Nairobi national park is a few Kms within the perimeter of the city, the National Museum, national archives and snake parks are all in the city centre. All parks are within a reasonable drive from the city.

Mombasa

Mombasa is the second city at the coastal region and an island itself. It would not do justice to describe Mombasa on paper, one would need to see the white beaches, the sky blue warm waters, the warm temperatures, the coastal features both physical and historic and meet a community made lazy by nature, they know how to relax by enjoying what God gave them free - the Swahilis. Kiswahili is a language born out of the mix between the Arabs and the African Bantus and therefore borrows a lot from the two groups. Its easily understood by anyone who has some Arabic and African Bantuism.

From the coastal features, the high lands, the lift valley, the wild life, archeological sites and the mountains one can not have enough of this country.

Weather

Kenya in general enjoys a warmth and plenty of sunshine all year round. It has humid climate at its coast region, cool and humid in the central and western highlands and hot and dry in its northern region and eastern region. Kenya has a large part of it ( about 75%) classified as arid and semi arid. The areas suitable for agriculture is only about 20% while the country relies heavily on agriculture. These are the heavily populated areas while the rest are sparsely populated or not at all.

Rainfall is mostly seasonal with the timing, pattern and extent varying from one region to another. Rainfall peaks are April and November in most part of the country.

Coastal region - About 1000mm during April to July

Lake basin ( Lake. Victoria)

Central high lands - Rain falls around March to May long rains and from October to December sometimes reaching up to 2000mm.

Rainfall patterns are greatly influenced by topographic features, the central highlands of Abandares and Mt Kenya ( about 5200mtrs above sea level) region experiences relief rainfall, where the shadows of these high lands are relatively dry while the wind ward sides are pretty wet.

The hottest region is the north which is more arid and temperatures go up to 34degrees Centigrade

Language and communities

Kenya boasts of a multiracial and multi ethnical divides that have all harmonized to a community that relate well and leave in peace. There are more than 15 different tribes not counting the other races like Asians, Europeans etc.

The main languages are Kiswahili and English while other indigenous languages dominate different parts of the country. The majority of the population is composed of the kikuyu tribe who are about 22% of the total population, the Luhya 14%, the Luo 13%, Kalenjins 11%, Kamba 6%, Meru 6% and the rest 16%. The main religion is Christianity with about 70 %, then Muslims 6% and the rest 24%.

Its a country that most of the people who have been there remember with a lot of nostalgia while for those who are from there and go outside quickly get home sick!

Population

The Kenyan population stands at about 30 million.

Currency

The currency is the Kenya Shilling divided into 100 cents which is a relatively stable currency Exchange rate to the dollar about 75Kshs

Political environment

Kenya is a multiparty state currently being ruled by National rainbow coalition - Narc which came to power in a democratic election in December 2002. Previously Kenya was ruled by Kenya African National Union which was in power since independence in 1963. It has had three presidents including the current one, Jomo Kenyatta who died in 1978 and the then vice president Mr. Daniel Arap Moi came to power and was voted out in 2002 election. Mr. Mwai Kibaki is Kenya's third president who was once Kenya's vice president under president Moi's government.

Economy

The Kenyan economy is heavily reliant on agriculture. Other important indusries include manufacturing, toursim and service industires