3. 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
4. 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.
5. Kenyan Culture
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.
6. Kenyan tribes
Turkana Swahili
Maasai Moran Dancers
girl People
Maasai
Moran
Central People –
kikuyu transitional
dance dress
7. 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.
8. Dress code
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.
9. 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
11. Cuisine
Name 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.
12. 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)
13. 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.
14. Top 3 places to visit
1. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Safari
List of top 3 Safari lodges to stay in
1. 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
18. 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).
19. Accommodation
ISLAND 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.