Kenya is a large country in East Africa, with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. It has 42 tribes, including the well-known Masai, and offers opportunities for wildlife exploration, beach vacations, and cultural experiences. While there may be safety concerns in some areas, daily flights to Nairobi make it easy to access the country and the rest of East Africa.
Kenya is a large country, bordering the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Africa. It covers 224,000 square miles (580,000 square km), making it about twice the size of Nevada. It borders Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
The history of prehistoric man can be found throughout Kenya, with fossils of Homo habilis dating back 2.5 million years. The first settlement of Kenya started around 2000 BC and around 100 AD both Persians and Arabs started settling in the area. In this period both Bantu and Nilotic people began settling the area, forming the ethnic core that comprises the country to this day.
The Portuguese moved into the region in the 1500s, largely replacing the Arab trading posts along the coast. In the late 1800s, the German Empire claimed the coastal regions, later leasing them to the British East Africa Company and eventually exchanging them for the British Empire. Settlement of the interior did not begin in earnest until 1906, when the first spur of the planned Uganda Railway was completed, despite opposition from local groups. By the 1920s Kenya had moved from being a protectorate to an official Crown colony, allowing for much more direct participation by white settlers in the region.
Beginning in 1952 Kenya entered a period of revolt against the British, mainly centered around the Mau Mau Rebellion. By 1963 Kenya had achieved independence, with a democratic system of representation in place. This would last until 1982, when the constitution was changed to make government a one-party system. The one-party system lasted for nearly a decade, until it was repealed in 1991, allowing multiple parties to form government. From 1978 to 2002 the country was led by a single president, Daniel arap Moi, until new term limits prevented him from running again.
Kenya is home to many different cultures, including many that live relatively close to their traditional way of life. There are 42 specific tribes in Kenya, each with their own cultural beliefs and practices, and finding a unifying theme can be difficult. By far the best known group is that of the Masai. This tribe, thanks to its recognizable clothes and costumes, has become popular in representations throughout the West and a considerable tourist industry has built up around their culture.
Kenya is an extraordinary nation, with a remarkable history and a wealth of cultural and natural wonders. For the slightly adventurous traveler, Kenya offers endless opportunities for exploration. Many of the largest and most amazing wildlife parks on Earth are found in Kenya, with all the big game that many people associate with Africa. Beautiful beaches and diving in the nation’s vast coral reefs also await travelers. And Kenya’s cultural heritage has left many ruins of Swahili cultures, including large urban complexes. While bandits can be a problem in some areas, mainly along the borders of Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia, as long as you’re traveling with a reputable guide you should be safe. Getting to Kenya is easier than getting to most of Africa; Daily flights arrive in Nairobi from most major American and European cities. Once in Kenya, it’s easy to fly to the rest of East Africa as well, as Nairobi serves as something of a hub for the region.
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