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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%
There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya. Distinctions between many of them are blurred - western cultural values are becoming more ingrained and traditional values are disintegrating. Yet, even though the average Kenyan may have outwardly drifted away from tribal traditions, the first question asked when two of them meet is 'What tribe are you from?'
Language
English and Swahili are the languages taught throughout the country, but there are many other tribal languages. These include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues. It's useful for the traveller to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country. Another language you'll come across is Sheng, spoken almost exclusively by the younger members of society. A fairly recent development, Sheng is a mixture of Swahili and English along with a fair sprinkling of other languages.
Religion
35% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim, 5% Animist
Most Kenyans outside the coastal and eastern provinces are Christians of one sort or another, while most of those on the coast and in the eastern part of the country are Muslim. Muslims make up some 30% of the population. In the more remote tribal areas you'll find a mixture of Muslims, Christians and those who follow their ancestral tribal beliefs.
African art
...was traditionally the adornment of functional objects such as ceremonial masks. Today soapstone and wooden carvings are made for sale. Asian colonists introduced batik (paintings on waxed cloth) to Kenya. The batiks made in Kenya today are uniquely African. Kenyan literature dates back to centuries-old Swahili poetry. The European colonial period is marked by the writings of authors such as Karen Blixen (Out of Africa) and the political struggles of this century have produced the works of Jomo Kenyatta (Facing Mount Kenya), Dedan Kimathi (Makers of Kenya's History) and Oginga Odinga (Not Yet Uhuru).
Traditional Kenyan music
...includes Tarabu (Swahili sung poetry) and benga music is the contemporary dance music that rules. It was popularised in the 1970s and 80s and originated among the Luo people of western Kenya. . Some well-known exponents of benga include Shirati Jazz, Victoria Kings, Globestyle and the Ambira Boys. Drum music and dancing feature strongly in Kenyan tribal culture and Masai and Samburu dance performances can be seen by tourists on Kenya safari. Today's music is influenced by British, American and Jamaican music. However, your most likely experience of Kenya is the 1985 movie Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
Kenyan cuisine
...generally consists of stodgy fillers with beans or a meat sauce. If you had to name a national dish in Kenya, nyama choma (barbecued meat, usually goat or beef) and ugali (a dish made from maize flour) would probably be it. Kenyan food is not exactly designed for vegetarians although many local vegetables are available. Beer drinkers, on the other hand, are well supplied. Kenyans love their beer almost as much as their dancing and there's a thriving local brewing industry. However, there is a vibrant restaurant industry and in the main cities and along the touristy areas on the coast one will find cuisine from basic to 5 star standard and catering to every taste.
Public Holidays
If any of the public holidays listed below falls on Sundays then the public holiday would be effected from the following Monday etc.
New Year - January 1st
Good Friday - As per calendar dates
Easter Monday - As per calendar dates
Labour Day - May 1st
Madaraka (Self Rule) Day - June 1st
Moi Day - October 10th
Kenyatta Day - October 20th
Jamhuri ( Independence ) Day - December 12th
Christmas Day - December 25th
Boxing Day - December 26th
Islamic Festivals: Iddi El Fitry - 2 Days on sighting the moon
Photography
We recommend you bring your own film as film in Kenya , although highly available, tends to be on the more expensive side, this is especially true for specialist film. An ultra violet filter, waterproof dust cover and spare batteries are essential. A pair of good quality binoculars for each person will be a great asset. Note: Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen, the President, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.
Banks
Banks and Forex Bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns. Banking hours: Monday - Friday: 0900 – 1500. Most Hotels and Lodges change money outside these hours.
 Natural Environment
Economy & History
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