Misplaced Pages

Kenya: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 14:36, 7 January 2008 view source81.139.233.190 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit Revision as of 14:52, 7 January 2008 view source 216.195.215.198 (talk) ←Blanked the pageNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:

{{refimprove|date=July 2007}}
<!-- Please see talk page before removing refimprove tag. -->
{{expert-subject|Africa|article}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = ''Jamhuri ya Kenya''
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Kenya
|common_name = Kenya
|image_flag = Flag of Kenya.svg
|image_coat = Kenya_coat_of_arms.jpg
|national_motto = "]"{{nbsp|2}}<small>(])<br/>"Let us all pull together"</small>
|image_map = LocationKenya.svg
|national_anthem = '']''<small><br/>"O God of All Creation"</small>
|official_languages = ]&nbsp;(since 1963), ]<ref>Constitution(1998)art. 53 "the official languages of the National Assembly shall be Kiswahili and English and the business of the National Assembly may be conducted in either or both languages."</ref>
|other languages = gKĩkũyũ, Luhya, Luo, Maasai, Meru, Embu, Arabic, Somali, Hindi and numerous others.
|demonym = Kenyan
|capital = ]
|latd=1 |latm=16 |latNS=S |longd=36 |longm=48 |longEW=E
|government_type = ]
|leader_title1 = ]

|leader_title2 = ]

|leader_name1 = ]

|leader_name2 = ]

|largest_city = Nairobi
|area_km2 = 580,367
|area_sq_mi = 224,080 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|area_rank = 47th
|area_magnitude = 1 E11
|percent_water = 2.3
|population_estimate = 34,707,817<sup><small>1</small></sup>
|population_estimate_year = July 2005
|population_estimate_rank = 34th
|population_census = 31,138,735
|population_census_year = 8 February 2007
|population_density_km2 = 59
|population_density_sq_mi = 153 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank = 140th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2005
|GDP_PPP = $48.33 billion <!--IMF -->
|GDP_PPP_rank = 76th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $1,445
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 156th
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.521
|HDI_rank = 148th
|HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|FSI = 91.3 {{increase}} 2.7
|FSI_year = 2007
|FSI_rank = 31st
|FSI_category = <font color="#FF0000">Alert</font>
|sovereignty_type = ]
|sovereignty_note = from the ]
|established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = ] ]
|established_event2 = Republic declared
|established_date2 = ] ]
|currency = ]
|currency_code = KES
|time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +3
|time_zone_DST = ''not observed''
|utc_offset_DST = +3
|cctld = ]
|calling_code = 254 <sup><small>2</small></sup>
|footnotes = 1. According to cia.gov, estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex, than would otherwise be expected.
|footnotes = 2. 005 from Tanzania and Uganda.
}}
The '''Republic of Kenya''' is a ] in ]. It is bordered by ] to the north, ] to the east, ] to the south, ] to the west, and ] to the northwest, with the ] running along the southeast ]. The country is named after ], a significant landmark mountain.

== History ==

{{main|History of Kenya}}
]s have discovered many fossils of ] animals in Kenya. At one of the rare ] ] sites in Africa, two hundred ] ] and ] fossils have been discovered in Kenya, dating from the ], over 200 million years ago. The fossils were found in an excavation conducted by a team from the ] and the ] in July-August 2004 at ], near ]. <ref>AFP ABC News, "Kenya's first dinosaur dig yields fossil wealth," ''ABC News Online'', 2005-03-10, webpage: </ref>

Fossils found in East Africa suggest that primates roamed the area more than 20 million years ago. Recent finds near Kenya's Lake Turkana indicate that ] such as '']'' (1.8 and 2.5 million years ago) and '']'' (1.8 million to 350,000 years ago) are possible direct ancestors of modern '']'' and lived in Kenya during the ] epoch. In 1984 one particular discovery made at ] by famous palaeoanthropologist ] and ] was the skeleton of a ] belonging to ''Homo erectus'' from 1.6 million years ago. Previous research on early hominids is particularly identified to ] and ], who are responsible for the preliminary archaeological research at ] and ]. Later work at the former was undertaken by ].

=== Pre-colonial history ===
] which dates from the 13th century.]]

]- speaking people from northern Africa moved into the area that is now Kenya beginning around 2000 BC. ] traders began frequenting the Kenya coast around the 1st century AD. Kenya's proximity to the Arabian Peninsula invited colonization, and Arab and Persian settlements sprouted along the coast by the 8th century. During the first millennium AD, ] and ] peoples moved into the region, and the latter now comprise three-quarters of Kenya's population.

In the centuries preceding colonization, the Swahili coast of Kenya was part of the east African region which traded with the Arab world and India especially for ] and ] (the ] tribe is said to have originated from slaves escaping from Arab lands some time around the year 1700.). Initially these traders came mainly from ] states, but later many also came from ] (such as ]).

], a Bantu language with many ] loan words, developed as a '']'' for trade between the different peoples.

The ] of Kenya descend from early agricultural and herding communities from western Kenya's early pre-colonial history. The Luo people and dialects of their language have historic roots across the ] region. Chief among the powerful families to which the Luo trace their ancestry were the Sahkarias of Kano, the Jaramogis of Ugenya, and the Owuors of Kisumo, whose clans married several wives and had multitudes of grandchildren and heirs to various chieftainships. Leaders of these lineages typically had multiple wives and intermarried with their neighbours in ] and ]. The Luo tribe, through intermarriages and wars, are part of the genetic admixture that includes all modern East African ethnic groups as well as members of ] Kingdom, the Toro Kingdom, and the ] of modern day ]. In recent times, the Luo have had many enemies with whom they fought for access to water, cattle, and land including the Nandi, Kipsigis and the Kisii. As a result of these wars were peace treaties and intermarriages were resolved resulting in a mixture of cultural ideals and practices. As with all so-called tribes of modern day East Africa, Luo history is intricately interwoven with the histories of their friends, enemies and neighbors and attest to the complexity of East African precolonial history.

=== Colonial history ===

], below ], has railway to ] (center), south of ] & ]. (click map to enlarge)]]</br>

The ] were the first ]ans to explore Kenya, ] having visited ] in 1498. Portuguese rule centered mainly on the coastal strip ranging from ] to Mombasa. The Portuguese colonial presence in ] officially begins after 1505, when flagships under the command of ] bombarded and plundered ], an island located in what is now southern ]. Following this, the Portuguese sacked Mombasa following the refusal of the town's leadership to pay tribute. Attacks followed on Hoja (now known as Ungwana, located at the mouth of the ]), Barawa, Angoche, ] and other coastal towns until the western ] was a safe haven for Portuguese commercial interests and tribute was paid to the Portuguese crown by all of the city-states along the East African coast. The Portuguese colonial presence in East Africa served two primary purposes: the extraction of tribute from coastal polities and the control of trade within the Indian Ocean through piracy. The first objective was only mildly successful by all accounts as local East African rulers rebelled against the Portuguese frequently. However, Portuguese naval vessels were very disruptive to commerce within the western Indian Ocean and were able to demand high tariffs on items transported through the sea due to their strategic control of ports and shipping lanes. The construction of Fort Jesus in Mombasa in 1593 was meant to solidify Portuguese hegemony in the region, but their influence was clipped by the ], ] and ] ] incursions into the region during the seventeenth century. The Omani Arabs posed the most direct challenge to Portuguese influence in East Africa and besieged Portuguese fortresses, openly attacked naval vessels and expelled the Portuguese from the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts by 1730.

Omani Arab ] of the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts brought the once independent ] under closer foreign scrutiny and domination than was experienced during the Portuguese period. Like their predecessors, the Omani Arabs were primarily able only to control the coastal areas, not the interior. However, the creation of clove ], intensification of the ] and relocation of the Omani capital to ] in 1839 by ] had the effect of consolidating the Omani power in the region. Arab governance of all the major ports along the East African coast continued until British interests aimed particularly at ending the slave trade and creation of a ] system began to put pressure on Omani rule. By the late ], the slave trade on the open seas had been completely outlawed by the British and the Omani Arabs had little ability to resist the British navy’s ability to enforce the directive. The Omani presence continued in Zanzibar and ] until the 1964 ], but the official Omani Arab presence in Kenya was checked by German and British seizure of key ports and creation of crucial trade alliances with influential local leaders in the 1880s. However, the Omani Arab legacy in East Africa is currently found through their numerous descendants found along the coast that can directly trace ancestry to ] and are typically the wealthiest and most politically influential members of the Kenyan coastal community.
], about 1899]]

However, most historians consider that the colonial history of Kenya dates from the establishment of a ] protectorate over the Sultan of ]'s coastal possessions in 1885, followed by the arrival of the ] in 1888. Incipient imperial rivalry was forestalled when Germany handed its coastal holdings to Britain in 1890. This followed the building of the ] passing through the country. This was resisted by some tribes, notably the ] led by '']'' ] for ten years from 1895 to 1905, the British eventually built the railway. It is believed that the ''Nandi'' were the first tribe to be put in a native reserve to stop them from disrupting the building of the railway. During the railway construction era, there was a significant inflow of Indian peoples who provided the bulk of the skilled manpower required for construction. These people remained in Kenya and formed the core of several distinct Indian communities such as the and communities.

At the outbreak of the ] in August 1914, the governors of ] (as the Protectorate was generally known) and ] agreed a truce in an attempt to keep the young colonies out of direct hostilities. However ] took command of the German military forces, determined to tie down as many British resources as possible. Completely cut off from Germany by the ], von Lettow conducted an effective ] campaign, living off the land, capturing British supplies, and remaining undefeated. He eventually surrendered in ] eleven days after the ] was signed in 1918. To chase von Lettow the British deployed ] troops from ] and then needed large numbers of porters to overcome the formidable logistics of transporting supplies far into the interior by foot. The ] was formed and ultimately mobilised over 400,000 Africans, contributing to their long-term politicisation.
]

During the early part of the ], the interior central highlands were settled by British and other European farmers, who became wealthy farming ] and ]. By the 1930s, approximately 30,000 white ]s lived in the area and were offered undue political powers because of their effects on the economy. The area was already home to over a million members of the ] tribe, most of whom had no land claims in European terms (but the land belonged to the ethnic group), and lived as itinerant ]s. To protect their interests, the settlers banned the growing of coffee, introduced a hut ], and the landless were granted less and less land in exchange for their labour. A massive exodus to the cities ensued as their ability to provide a living from the land dwindled.

In 1951, ] became ] in Kenya (coming from ], where he had also been Chief Justice) and sat in the Supreme Court in ]. He held that position until 1954 when he became an ] of the ]. On the night of the death of ], ] ], Hearne escorted ], as she then was, to a state dinner at the ], which is now a very popular tourist retreat. It was there that she "went up a princess and came down a Queen".{{Fact|date=March 2007}} She returned immediately to ], accompanied by Hearne.

From ] to ], Kenya was under a state of emergency arising from the ] against British rule. The governor requested and obtained British and African troops, including the ]. In ], ] was appointed as director of ] operations. The situation did not improve for lack of intelligence, so ] ] ] was appointed commander-in-chief of the colony's armed forces in May 1953, with the personal backing of ].

The capture of Warũhiũ Itote (a.k.a. ]) on ] ] and the subsequent interrogation led to a better understanding of the Mau Mau command structure. ] opened on ] ] after weeks of planning by the army with the approval of the War Council. The operation effectively placed ] under military siege, and the occupants were screened and the Mau Mau supporters moved to ]s. May 1953 also saw the ] officially recognized as a branch of the Security Forces. The Home Guard formed the core of the government's anti-Mau Mau strategy as it was composed of ] Africans, not foreign forces like the ] and ]. By the end of the emergency the ] had killed 4,686 Mau Mau, amounting to 42% of the total insurgents. The capture of ] on ] ] in ] signified the ultimate defeat of the ] and essentially ended the military offensive.

=== Post-colonial history ===

]]]
The first direct elections for Africans to the Legislative Council took place in 1957. Despite British hopes of handing power to "moderate" African rivals, it was the ] (KANU) of ], that formed a government shortly before Kenya became independent on ] ].
In the same year the Kenyan army fought the ] against Somali ethnics determined to see ] join with the Republic of Somalia, the Shifta's inflicted heavy casualties on the Kenyan armed forces but were defeated in 1967.

Kenya, fearing an invasion from militarily stronger Somalia, signed a defence pact with ] in 1969 which is still intact . Suffering from droughts and floods NFD is the least developed region in Kenya. However, throughout the 1990s wealthy Somali refugees turned businessmen have transformed ] from a residential community to the commercial centre of Eastlands, and increasingly much of Nairobi.

In 1964, Kenyatta became Kenya's first president. At Kenyatta's death in 1978, ] became President. Daniel arap Moi retained the Presidency, being unopposed in elections held in 1979, 1983 (]s) and 1988, all of which were held under the single party constitution. The 1983 elections were held a year early, and were a direct result of ] on August 1, 1982.

The abortive coup was masterminded by a lowly ranked Air Force serviceman, Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka and was staged mainly by enlisted men in the Air Force. The attempt was quickly suppressed by Loyalist forces led by the Army, the General Service Unit (GSU) — paramilitary wing of the police — and later the regular police, but not without civilian casualties. This event led to the disbanding of the entire Air Force and a large number of its former members were either dismissed or court-martialled.

The election held in 1988 saw the advent of the ''mlolongo'' (queuing) system where voters were supposed to line up behind their favoured candidates instead of secret ballot. This was seen as the climax of a very undemocratic regime and it led to widespread agitation for constitutional reform. Several contentious clauses, including the one allowing only one political party were changed in the following years. In democratic, multiparty elections in 1992 and 1997, Daniel arap Moi won re-election. In 2002, Moi was constitutionally barred from running, and ], running for the opposition coalition "National Rainbow Coalition" — ], was elected President. The elections, judged free and fair by local and international observers, marked a turning point in Kenya's democratic evolution. This year we expect another showdown between the incumbent and ] presidential aspirant Raila Odinga. Kenya is one of the most politically distinguished countries in Africa.

===Origins of the country's name===

See {{main|Mount Kenya#Names on Mount Kenya}}

== Politics ==

{{main|Politics of Kenya}}
]]]
Politics of Kenya takes place in a framework of a ] ] ], whereby the ] is both ] and ], and of a pluriform multi-party system. ] is exercised by the government. ] is vested in both the ] and the ]. The ] is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Since independence, Kenya has maintained remarkable stability despite changes in its political system and crises in neighbouring countries. A cross-party parliamentary reform initiative in the fall of 1997 revised some oppressive laws inherited from the colonial era that had been used to limit freedom of speech and assembly. This improved public freedoms and contributed to generally credible national elections in December 1997.

In December 2002, Kenyans held democratic and open elections, most of which were judged free and fair by international observers. The 2002 elections marked an important turning point in Kenya’s democratic evolution in that power was transferred peacefully from the Kenya African Union (KANU), which had ruled the country since independence to the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc), a coalition of political parties.

Under the presidency of Mwai Kibaki, the new ruling coalition promised to focus its efforts on generating economic growth, combating corruption, improving education, and rewriting its constitution. A few of these promises have been met. There is free primary education. From next year, secondary education will be almost free, with the government footing all tuition fees. Under president Kibaki, the democratic space has expanded. The media is freer than before. Kenyans can associate and express themselves without fearing being harassed by security agents as it used to be the case during the Moi administration. In November 2005, the Kenyan electorate resoundingly defeated a ] supported by Parliament and President Kibaki. Kibaki responded by dismissing his entire cabinet. Kibaki eventually appointed a new slate of ministers.

The ] were held on December 27, 2007. In them, President Kibaki under the ] ran for re-election against the main opposition party, the ] (ODM). After a split which would take a crucial 8% of the votes away from the ODM to the newly formed ] (ODM-K)'s candidate, ], the race tightened between ODM candidate ] and ]. As the count came in to the Kenyan Election Commission, Odinga was shown to have a slight, and then substantial lead. However, as the ECK ] continued to count the votes, Kibaki closed the gap and then overtook his opponent by a substantial margin. This led to protests and riots, and Odinga declaring himself the "people's president" and calling for a recount and Kibaki to resign. More information is available in ].

== Country subdivisions ==

]
{{main|Provinces of Kenya|Districts of Kenya|Divisions of Kenya}}
Kenya comprises 8 ] each headed by a Provincial Commissioner (centrally appointed by the president). The provinces (''mkoa'' singular ''mikoa'' plural in ]) are subdivided into ] (]). There were 69 districts as of 1999 census. Districts are then subdivided into 497 ] (''taarafa''). The divisions are then subdivided into 2,427 ] (''kata'') and then 6,612 sublocations (''kata ndogo'') <ref>Central Bureaus of Statistics (Kenya): </ref>. The City of Nairobi enjoys the status of a full administrative province. The government supervises administration of districts and provinces. The provinces are:

<div style="width:50%; -moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
</div>

Local governance in Kenya is practised through ]. Many urban centres host city, municipal or town councils. Local authorities in rural areas are known as county councils. Local councillors are elected by civic elections, held alongside general elections.

Constituencies are an electoral subdivision. There are 210 ] <ref>Kenya Roads Board </ref>.

===Population of major cities===
{|class="wikitable"
!City!!Population
|-
| ] ||2,510,800
|-
| ] ||707,400
|-
| ] ||337,200
|-
| ] ||273,400

|-
| ] ||249,100
|-
| ] ||213,000
|-
| ] ||179,500
|-
|-
| ] ||140,900
|-

|}

== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Kenya}}
At 224,961&nbsp;]s (582,646&nbsp;]), Kenya is the world's forty-seventh largest country (after ]).

From the coast on the ] the Low plains rise to central highlands. The highlands are bisected by the ]; a fertile plateau in the west. The Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa. The highlands are the site of the highest point in Kenya (and the second highest in Africa): ], which reaches 5,199&nbsp;meters (17,057&nbsp;]) and is also the site of glaciers. Climate varies from ] along the coast to ] in the interior. There is also ] (19,341 ft) which is located on the Kenya- Tanzania border.

== Environment ==
{{seealso|Environmental issues in Kenya}}
Kenya has considerable land area of ] habitat, including the ], where ] and other ]s participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 blue wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. The ] animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya: the ], ], ], ] and ]. A significant population of other wild animals, reptiles and birds can be found in the national parks and game reserves in the country. The environment of Kenya is threatened by high population growth and its side effects.

== Climate ==
]]]
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. There is however a lot of rain between the months March and May.The temperature does remain high throughout these months.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ {{resize|110%|Average annual temperatures}}
!colspan="2" style="text-align:left;"| City
! Elevation (m) !! Max (°C) !! Min (°C)
|-
|align="left" | Mombasa{{nbsp|2}}
|align="center"| {{smaller|coastal town}}
| 17 || 30.3 || 22.4
|-
|align="left" | Nairobi
|align="center"| {{smaller|capital city}}
| 1,661 || 25.2 || 13.6
|-
|align="left" | Eldoret
|align="center"|
| 3,085 || 23.6 || 9.5
|-
|align="left" | Lodwar
|align="center"| {{smaller|dry north plainlands}}
| 506 || 34.8 || 23.7
|-
|align="left" | Mandera
|align="center"| {{smaller|dry north plainlands}}
| 506 || 34.8 || 25.7
|}

The country receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

The long rain season occurs from April to June. The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

The annual migration occurs between June and September with millions of wildlife taking part. It has been a popular event for filmmakers to capture.

== Economy ==

].]]

{{main|Economy of Kenya}}
After independence, Kenya promoted rapid economic growth through public investment, encouragement of smallholder agricultural production, and incentives for private (often foreign) industrial investment. ] (GDP) grew at an annual average of 6.6% from 1963 to 1973. Agricultural production grew by 4.7% annually during the same period, stimulated by redistributing estates, diffusing new crop strains, and opening new areas to cultivation.

Between 1974 and 1990, however, Kenya's economic performance declined. Inappropriate agricultural policies, inadequate credit, and poor international terms of trade contributed to the decline in agriculture. Kenya's inward-looking policy of import substitution and rising oil prices made Kenya's manufacturing sector uncompetitive. The government began a massive intrusion in the private sector. Lack of export incentives, tight import controls, and foreign exchange controls made the domestic environment for investment even less attractive.

From 1991 to 1993, Kenya had its worst economic performance since independence. Growth in GDP stagnated, and agricultural production shrank at an annual rate of 3.9%. Inflation reached a record 100% in August 1993, and the government's budget deficit was over 10% of GDP. As a result of these combined problems, bilateral and multilateral donors suspended programme aid to Kenya in 1991.

In 1993, the Government of Kenya began a major programme of economic reform and liberalization. A new minister of finance and a new governor of the ] undertook a series of economic measures with the assistance of the ] and the ] (IMF). As part of this programme, the government eliminated price controls and import licensing, removed foreign exchange controls, privatized a range of publicly owned companies, reduced the number of ]s, and introduced conservative fiscal and monetary policies. From 1994-96, Kenya's real GDP growth rate averaged just over 4% a year.

In 1997, however, the economy entered a period of slowing or stagnant growth, due in part to adverse weather conditions and reduced economic activity prior to general elections in December 1997. In 2000, GDP growth was negative, but improved slightly in 2001 as rainfall returned closer to normal levels. Economic growth continued to improve slightly in 2002 and reached 1.4% in 2003; it was 4.3% in 2004 and 5.8% in 2005.
], ], the largest and busiest airport in ].]]
In July 1997, the Government of Kenya refused to meet commitments made earlier to the IMF on governance reforms. As a result, the IMF suspended lending for 3 years, and the World Bank also put a $90-million structural adjustment credit on hold. Although many economic reforms put in place in 1993-94 remained, conservative economists believe that Kenya needs further reforms, particularly in governance, in order to increase GDP growth and combat the poverty that afflicts more than 57% of its population.

The Government of Kenya took some positive steps on reform, including the 1999 establishment of the Kenya Anti-] Authority (KACA), and measures to improve the transparency of government procurements and reduce the government payroll. In July 2000, the IMF signed a $150 million ] (PRGF), and the World Bank followed suit shortly after with a $157 million Economic and Public Sector Reform credit. The Anti-Corruption Authority was declared unconstitutional in December 2000, and other parts of the reform effort faltered in 2001. The IMF and World Bank again suspended their programs. Various efforts to restart the programme through mid-2002 were unsuccessful.

Under the leadership of President Kibaki, who took over on December 30, 2002, the Government of Kenya began an ambitious economic reform programme and has resumed its cooperation with the World Bank and the IMF. The new ] (NARC) government enacted the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and Public Officers Ethics Act in May 2003 aimed at fighting graft in public offices. Other reforms especially in the judiciary, public procurement etc., have led to the unlocking of donor aid and a renewed hope at economic revival. In November 2003, following the adoption of key anti-corruption laws and other reforms by the new government, donors reengaged as the IMF approved a three-year $250 million Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and donors committed $4.2 billion in support over 4 years. The renewal of donor involvement has provided a much-needed boost to investor confidence.

The Privatization Bill has been enacted although the setting up of a privatization commission is yet to be finalized, civil service reform has been implemented and in the year 2007 the country won the UN Public Service reform award . However a lot of work need to be done to make the country catch up with the rest of economic giants especially the Far East. The main challenges include taking candid action on corruption, enacting anti-terrorism and money laundering laws, bridging budget deficits, rehabilitating and building infrastructure. This hopefully will help in maintaining sound macroeconomic policies, and speed up the rapidly accelerating economic growth, which is projected to grow to 7.2% in 2007. However all this is tied to the outcome of the forthcoming ].

Nairobi continues to be the primary communication and financial hub of East Africa. It enjoys the region's best transportation linkages, communications infrastructure, and trained personnel, although these advantages are less prominent than in past years. A wide range of foreign firms maintain regional branch or representative offices in the city. In March 1996, the Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda re-established the ] (EAC). The EAC's objectives include harmonizing tariffs and customs regimes, free movement of people, and improving regional infrastructures. In March 2004, the three East African countries signed a ].

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
|+ style="line-height:0.8em;"| {{resize|120%|Economic summary}}
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| GDP
| $17.43 billion (2005) at Market Price. $ 41.36 billion (Purchasing Power Parity, 2006)
There also exists a large, informal economy that is never counted as part of the official GDP figures.
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Annual growth rate
| 5.8% (2005): 2006 = 6.1% : Estimate for 2007 = 7.2%
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Per capita income
| Per Capita Income (PPP)= $1,200
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Natural resources
| Wildlife, land (5% ])
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Agricultural&nbsp;produce{{nbsp|2}}
| ], ], ], horticultural products, ], ], ], ], pineapples, ], dairy products, meat and meat products, hides, skins
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Industry
| petroleum products, grain and sugar milling, cement, beer, soft drinks, textiles, vehicle assembly, paper and light manufacturing, tourism
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
|+ style="line-height:0.8em;"| Trade in 2002
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Exports
| $2.2&nbsp;billion
| tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products, cement, pyrethrum, soda ash, sisal, hides and skins, fluorspar
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Major markets
|colspan="2"| ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Imports
| $3.2&nbsp;billion
| machinery, vehicles, crude petroleum, iron and steel, resins and plastic materials, refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, paper and paper products, fertilizers, wheat
|-
!style="text-align:left;"| Major&nbsp;suppliers{{nbsp|2}}
|colspan="2"| ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
|}

=== Oil exploration ===
Early in 2006, ] President ] signed an oil exploration contract with Kenya; the latest in a series of deals designed to keep Africa's natural resources flowing to China's booming economy.

The deal allowed for ]'s state-controlled offshore oil and gas company, ], to prospect for oil in Kenya, which is just beginning to drill its first exploratory wells on the borders of Sudan and Somalia and in coastal waters. No oil has been produced yet, and there has been no formal estimate of the possible reserves.

== Demographics ==
]
{{main|Demographics of Kenya}}
Kenya is a country of great ethnic diversity.

; Ethnic groups: ] 23%, ] 14%, ] 13%, ] 11%, ] 10%, ] 8%, ] 8%, ] 3%, other African (including ], Pokomo, Giriama, Rabai, Duruma, Chonyi, Digo, Kauma, Taita, Meru, Turkana, Orma (Oromo), Wasanye, Wanyoyaya, Borana, Rendille, El Moran, Malakote, Embu, Teso, Gabra, Ndorobo, Maasai) 13%, non-African (]/], ]/]an, and ]) 1%.

; Religious affiliation: ] 45%, ] 25%, ] 10%, Traditional Religions 10%. Others include ], ],] and the ].

; Largest cities : ], ], ], ] and ].
{{see also|List of cities in Kenya}}

== Education ==
{{main|Education in Kenya}}
] building]]
Kenya’s education system consists of early childhood education, primary, secondary and college. Early childhood education takes at least three years, primary eight years, secondary four and university four or six years depending on the course. Preschooling, which targets children from age three to five, is an integral component of the education system and is a key requirement for admission to Standard One (First Grade). At the end of primary education, pupils sit the ] (KCPE), which determines those who proceed to secondary school or vocational training. Primary school age is 6/7-13/14years. For those who proceed to secondary level, there is a national examination at the end of Form Four – the ] (KCSE), which determines those proceeding to the universities, other professional training or employment. The Joint Admission Board (JAB) is responsible for selecting students joining the public universities. The minimum university entry grade is C+ at KCSE. However, due to stiff competition, only those with higher grades such as B+ and above are guaranteed admission. Private universities admit students on their own but are guided by the rules and regulations provided by the Commission for Higher Education. Other than the public schools, there are many private schools in the country, mainly in urban areas. Similarly, there are a number of ]s catering for various educational systems such as American, British, French, German, Japanese and Swedish.

== Culture ==
{{main|Culture of Kenya}}
]
]
Kenya is a diverse country, with many different cultures represented. Notable cultures include the ] on the coast, ] communities in the north, and several different communities in the central and western regions. Today, the ] culture is well known, due to its heavy exposure from tourism, however, Maasai make up a relatively minor percentage of the Kenyan population. The Maasai are known for their elaborate upper body adornment and jewelry.

=== Food ===

There is no singular dish that represents all of Kenya. Different communities have their own different foods. Staples are ] and other cereals depending on the region including ] and ] eaten with various meats and vegetables.
The foods that are universally eaten in Kenya are ] and nyama choma. Nyama choma is roasted meat - usually goat or sheep- roasted over an open fire. It is best eaten with ] and ].
Among the ] of Central Kenya, a lot of ]: ngwaci (]), ndũma (]) known in Kenya as ], ikwa (]), mianga (]) are eaten as well as legumes like ] and a Kikuyu bean known as njahi.

=== National dress ===
Apart from the ], Kenya is yet to have a national dress that cuts across its diverse ethnic divide. With each of the more than 42 ethnic communities in Kenya having its own traditional practices and symbols that make it unique, this is a task that has proved elusive in the past. However, several attempts have been made to design an outfit that can be worn to identify Kenyans, much like the ]' cloth of ].

The most recent effort was the Unilever-sponsored "Sunlight quest for Kenya's National Dress". A design was chosen and though it was unveiled with much pomp at a ceremony in which public figures modelled the dress, the dress design never took hold with the ordinary people.

], a cotton fabric made into various colours and design through tie-and-dye and heavy embroidery, is generally accepted as the African dress. Though used in many African countries, Kitenge is yet to be accepted as an official dress as it is only worn during ceremonies and non-official functions. The Maasai wear dark red garments to symbolise their love for the earth and also their dependence on it. It also stands for courage and blood that is given to them by nature.
The ] (Khanga, Lesso) is another cloth that is in common use in practically every Kenyan home. The Kanga is a piece of clothing about 1.5 m by 1 m, screen printed with beautiful sayings in Swahili (or English) and is largely worn by women around the waist and torso. Kangas are a flexible item, used in many ways such as aprons, child-carrying slings, picnic blankets, swimwear etc. However, except among the coastal people, it is usually not worn as a full outfit.

=== Music ===
{{main|Music of Kenya}}
Kenya is home to a diverse range of music styles, ranging from imported popular music, ] and ] music to traditional ] songs. The guitar is the most popular instrument in Kenyan music, and songs often feature intricate guitar rhythms. The most famous guitarist of the early 20th century was ]. Other notable musicians of the 60s era include ] (recognised by many as the author of the hit song "]" that was later re-done by ], ] and ].

Popular music in the 1980s and 90s in Kenya could be divided into two genres: the Swahili sound and the Congolese sound. There are varying regional styles, and some performers create tourist-oriented "hotel pop" that is similar to western music. ], later renamed Uyoga, was one of the popular groups in this era.

In the recent past, newer varieties of modern popular music have arisen which are mostly local derivatives of western hip-hop. Two sub-genres have emerged: "]" and "]" beats. This has revolutionized popular Kenyan music and created an industry dominated by the youth. There is also underground Kenyan hip hop that gets less radio play than Kapuka or Genge due to the fact that it is less club oriented and more focussed on social commentary. Early pioneers include the late ], ], and ].

Mainstream artists include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and others. Their sounds run the gamut from ]/], Pop, Afro-Fusion to Hip-Hop. Contemporary Kenyan music is becoming quite popular, with African based music channels such as ] and ], giving them a greater audience than previously before.

Many Kenyan performers mix languages in any single song, usually English, Swahili, their tribal language or ] (a hybrid of Kenyan languages and English/Swahili).

The ], which recognise musical talent across East Africa, were founded and are currently based in Kenya. Every year numerous Kenyan artists take out categories in the scheme.

The ] features children, many of whom are orphaned, from Kenya, as well as from other neighbouring African countries.

=== Sports ===
Kenya is active in several sports, among them ], ], ], ] and ]. But the country is known chiefly for its dominance in ] ]. Kenya has regularly produced ] and ] champions in various distance events, especially in 800 m, 1,500 m, 3,000 m steeplechase, 5,000 m, 10,000 m and the marathons. Kenyan athletes (particularly ]) continue to dominate the world of distance running, although competition from ] and ] has somewhat reduced this supremacy. The former ] world record holder, ], and the four-time women's ] winner and two-time world champion, ], are among the best-known athletes in Kenya.

Retired Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion ], helped usher in Kenya's ongoing distance dynasty 1970s and was followed by Commonwealth Champion ]'s spectacular string of world record performances.

Lately, there has been controversy in Kenyan athletics circles, with the defection of a number of Kenyan athletes to represent other countries, chiefly ] and ] <ref name="IAAF">IAAF: </ref>. The Kenyan Ministry of Sports has tried to stop the defections, but they have continued anyway, with ] the latest, choosing to represent the ]<ref name="IAAF">b</ref>.

Cricket is Kenya's second most popular and most successful team sport. ] has competed in the ] since ]. They upset some of the World's best teams and reached semi-finals of the ]. They also won the inaugural World Cricket League Division 1 hosted in Nairobi and participated in the World T20. Their current captain is ].

Kenya is making a name for itself in ]. It is popular in Kenya especially with the annual ] tournament. ] ranked 9th in IRB Sevens World Series for the 2006 season.

Kenya has also been a dominant force in ladies' ] within Africa, with both the clubs and the national team winning various continental championships in the past decade. The women team has also competed at the Olympics and ] but without any notable success.

Kenya was a regional power in soccer but its dominance has been eroded by wrangles within the ] <ref>New Vision, June 3, 2004: </ref>. This has led to a suspension by ] which was lifted in March, 2007.
In the motor ] arena, Kenya is home to the world famous ], commonly acknowledged as one of the toughest rallies in the world <ref> The Auto Channel, July 21, 2001: </ref>, and a part of the ] for many years until its exclusion after the 2002 event due to financial difficulties. Some of the best rally drivers in the world have taken part in and won the rally, such as ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Though the rally still runs annually as part of the Africa rally championship, the organisers are hoping to be allowed to rejoin the World Rally championship in the next couple of years.

=== Film ===
{{main|Culture of Kenya}}
Although the government has not been very supportive of the ] in Kenya, the country offers some of the most spectacular sceneries and can only be compared to ] in regard to producing some of the most talented actors and actresses on the African continent. Due to the nonchalant attitude and lack of enthusiasm exhibited by the government, the industry has remained considerably dormant whereby notable movies shot in the country have been few and far between. The most recent movie is the award winning '']'' directed by ] and starring ] and ]. Other films shot in Kenya in the recent past include the ] winning ''] ''and '']. ''Sheena, Queen of the Jungle'' won great acclaim in the 1980s and was one of the first foreign movies to be shot entirely on location in Kenya. Other highly acclaimed films set (and shot) in Kenya include ]'s '']'', starring ] and ] and directed by ], and ], an adaptation of the autobiography of ]. In 1999, part of the movie ], which featured actor ], was shot on location in the ]. Notable film actors from Kenya include Paul Onsongo, David Mulwa, ] and ].

''Die Weiße Massai'' (]), a German movie about a Swiss Woman who fell in love with a Samburu warrior (Maasai); won an Award of the best Foreign language Movie (2006).
The '']'', based on the Ugandan dictator, was shot in Kenya and is considered one of the most successful movies produced and directed by a Kenyan (Sharad Patel). Indigenous Kenyan filmmakers include Ingolo Wa Keya, Albert Wandago and Judy Kibinge.
'']'' (Nirgendwo in Afrika - 2001), an award-winning German production, tells a story about German Jewish refugees living in Kenya during Second World War. Most of the movie is set in Kenya and numerous scenes show actors, either Kenyans or main German actors, speaking Swahili.

The ] (KFC) was established by the Kenyan government in 2005, but only became fully operational in mid-2006. The Commission was formed with the aim of promoting the Kenyan film industry both locally and internationally. It offers detailed information on Kenyan filming locations as well as liaison services on behalf of the government. The Commission also advises on recce’s, film licensing and immigration requirements as well as facilitate the filming process for film makers.

=== Television ===
Acting for ] has proved popular with the Kenyan audience. This ] has been around from the 1960s when actors like Mzee Pembe graced the Kenyan television screen. Others, like Benson Wanjau (Ojwang' Hatari) and Mary Khavere (Mama Kayai), followed later with their rib-cracking ] presented exclusively in ], reaching millions of households courtesy of ] television station. Serious Television drama was witnessed for the first time in the early 1990s with the entry of popular actors like ], BMJ Muriithi and Betty Achieng' alongside other thespians who featured in a variety of ] shows following the ] of the ] by the Kenyan ]. However, Tushauriane, a ] ] series featuring Kenyan fine actors like Dennis Kashero and Tony Msalame had premiered in the late 1980s becoming arguably one of the most popular productions to ever hit the ] TV screens. A new genre in the form of stand-up comedy followed when the late actor Joni Nderitu entered the scene. The new style was later to be perfected by the group, 'Redykyulass', comprised of a trio of young Kenyans - Walter Mong'are, Tony Njuguna and John Kiare (KJ) - who specialised in political satire. They lampooned not only the establishment but the then Kenyan President, ] as well. The lampooning of the ] head of state was unprecedented and could have easily led to their prosecution, or even detention without trial, had it been done in the 1980s, when mimicking the head of state and exhibiting any form of political dissent was considered treasonable. Other Stations known to promote theater in Kenya include Nation TV, Kenya Television Network (KTN) an Citizen TV, all based in the nation's capital.

A ] and ]-based 24-hour pan-African TV channel, ], is scheduled to start broadcasting from Nairobi in 2008. This will be in honor and memory of world-renowned and award winning Kenyan Photojournalist, ].

=== Theatre ===
Kenya holds one of the biggest annual drama events, the Kenya schools and colleges drama festival, in the south of ]. The ] is based in Nairobi opposite the Norfolk Hotel. Notable theatre performing groups include ] that stages regular stage performances at both the Kenya National Theatre and Alliance Francaise, Phoenix Players based at the Professional Centre, Heartsrings Ensemble and Mombasa Little Theatre Club based in Mombasa. Notable names on the Kenyan theatre scene include the late actresses Stella Awinja Muka and Anne Wanjugu. Renowned director Tirus Gathwe cut a niche for himself and is perhaps the most well known theatre directors in Kenya today.In the late 1990s through the early 2000s, the late ] followed in the footsteps of the legendary ] when he, through Igiza Productions, teamed up with Tirus Gathwe and embarked on a project dubbed "taking Theatre to the people" which saw them stage numerous productions, mainly ] Satires, at nightspots throughout the ].

== Literary perspective ==
] at ], with Nairobi's skyline in background.]]
{{main|Literature of Kenya}}
] is one of the best known writers of Kenya. His book, '']'' is an illustration of life in Kenya during the British occupation. This is a story about the effects of the Mau Mau on the lives of black Kenyans. Its combination of themes - ], education, and love - help to make it one of the best-known novels in Africa.

]'s 2003 novel ''The In-Between World of Vikram Lall'' won the ] in 2003. It is the fictional memoir of a Kenyan of Indian heritage and his family as they adjust to the changing political climates in colonial and post-colonial Kenya.

Since 2003, the literary journal ] has been publishing Kenyan contemporary literature.

== See also ==
] is the highest peak in Kenya at 5,199 m (17,042 ft).<ref>{{cite map
| publisher = Rough Guide
| title = Rough Guide Map Kenya
| edition =9
| year = 2006
| cartography =World Mapping Project
| scale =1:900,000
| series = Rough Guide Map
| isbn = 1-84353-359-6
}}</ref> Kenya is named after the mountain.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times
|articlename=British East Africa Annexed--"Kenya Colony"
|author=Reuter
|section=News
|day_of_week=Thursday
|date=Jul 08, 1920
|page_number=13
|issue=42457
|column=C
}}</ref>]]

{{columns
|width=220px
|col1 =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
|col2 =
; Lists
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist}}

7. http://www.bluegecko.org/kenya/
8. http://www.homestead.com/wysinger/ancientafrica.html

== External links ==
{{linkfarm}}
{{sisterlinks|Kenya}}
; Government
* Office of the Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Kenya.
* Official site.
* Kenyan Legislation, Case Law, Official Gazette Notices and legal Info.
* Official site State House, Kenya.
* Currency exchange rates official site.
* Provides information on investing.
* Main Kenyan airline.
* Information on Kenyan Airports.
* Information on Kenyan seaports.
* Administration Police Force
* Kenya Police Force.
* Agency that conserves, protects and manages Kenya's diverse wildlife and parks.
* Promotes and Market’s Kenya as a tourist destination both locally and internationally.
* Official guide to filming in Kenya.

; News
* State run media organization
* Local independent newspaper
* Kenya's Financial Daily
* Authoritative Weekly
* Business News for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi
* Local independent newspaper
* news headlines
* humanitarian news and analysis

; Overviews
* (])
* A photographic approach to Kenya's beauty.
*
*
*
* includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports
* Recent reports and

; Directories
* directory category of the WWW-VL
* directory category
* directory category
* Kenya Web sites

; Resources
* current news, events and statistics
* All the statutory laws of Kenya
*
*
* ]

; Travel & Tourism
* Official travel and tourism guide.
* Kenya national parks information and travel guide.
*{{wikitravel}}
*
*

; History
*
*

<!--Templates-->
{{Provinces, cities and towns of Kenya}}

{{Countries of Africa}}
{{Indian Ocean}}
{{Member states of the African Union}}
{{G15}}
{{Afro-Asiatic-speaking}}
{{Niger-Congo-speaking}}
{{Commonwealth of Nations}}

<!--Categories-->
]
]
]
]
]
]

<!--Other languages-->
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Revision as of 14:52, 7 January 2008