Facts about Kenya

Facts about Kenya : Kenya doesn’t get nearly enough attention, considering how amazing  country it is! East Africa’s diversified nation is home to all five of the Big 5, striking landscapes that change dramatically as you travel around the nation, and exciting safari tour destinations like the Great Rift Valley and the expansive plains of Amboseli National Park. Kenya is made up of numerous interesting things you might not know, such as its coastlines, cities, and untamed and wild safari parks! We hope to provide you with an impression of this stunning nation. Whether you’ve been dreaming of seeing the Masai Mara your entire life or you’re just a voracious learner, these are facts about Kenya will enrich your memory.

Kenya wildlife safari Destinations

Most likely, you’ve heard of Amboseli National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. Both are popular kenya safari tour  destinations, and Amboseli National park has the best views of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. However, did you know that Kenya has fifty national parks and reserves? The Kenya Wildlife Service are in charge of  23 national parks and 28 national reserves, making sure that the local wildlife is protected from poachers. Kenya is home to 4 national sanctuaries, 4 marine parks, and 6 marine reserves in addition to its 28 national reserves and 23 national parks.

The official languages in Kenya

English and Swahili are the two official national languages  spoken in Kenya. Swahili is the national language and is widely spoken throughout the country, while English is the official language. These are the most common phrases you will  hear: ‘Jambo,’ which means hello, or ‘Habari,’ which also means hello but is primarily used to greet friends or relatives.” Try them with the locals if you’re going to be travelling to Kenya. There are more than 43 languages and dialects, divided into three groups  – the Bantus Nilotes and Cushites – spoken in Kenya besides English and Swahili. The first category is spoken by 65% of the population and is called Bantu. Nilotic, also known as paranilotic, is spoken by 31% of the population, and Cushites are spoken by only 4% of the population.

Kenya is known for its Runners

Kenya’s water must contain something! World record breakers and long-distance runners who are well-known for dominant performance in marathons across the globe have been developed in the Kenya, particularly by the Kalenjin people. A few of the top long-distance runners in the world are from  Kenya. They travel here to train because the region’s harsh terrain and high altitudes provide a challenging environment that helps them develop their skills. For those who wish to compete in the Olympics, this is the place to go for your training.

Prof Wangari Muta Maathai

Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspirational woman was a Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was the founder of the green belt movement which allowed over 51 million trees to be planted in Kenya.18 women have won the Nobel Peace Prize in total, and Wangari Muta Maathai is one of only 4 Black women to have ever won a Nobel Prize.

Lake Turkana the largest desert lake in the world

Lake Turkana is the largest lake in Kenya, but its main known to be the largest desert lake in the world. As a component of the three Lake Turkana National Parks—Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park, and South Island National Park—it is situated in the northern region of the Great Rift Valley and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is true that there are numerous national parks surrounding only one lake—Lake Turkana spans more than 7,000 square kilometres.

Kenya is the leading exporter of cut flowers in the world

Have you ever been caught red-handed on Valentine’s Day, frantically reaching for the final flower that can still be saved because you forgot? Not in Kenya! The nation is one of the top 5 exporters of cut flowers in the world, specialising in roses and carnations, which are exquisite, elaborate, and vibrantly coloured flowers. These exports are so significant that Kenya’s economy as a whole earned 1.1 billion US dollars from this sector in 2022.

Kenya is a leading safari destination

Kenya is among the top safari locations in the world, which is not surprising given that it is home to the Masai Mara National Reserve and that it borders Tanzania’s Serengeti Park. Kenya has held this distinction ever since it was first acknowledged as such by the World Travel Awards in several years in a row, demonstrating how uncontested it is.

6 days Masai Mara and Diani Beach fly in safari
Maasai mara

Kenya coffee is the most  valuable export

In January 2024, Kenya exported about 2,700 metric tonnes of coffee, earning roughly over 4.56 billion Kenyan shillings, or over 40.2 million US dollars. That’s enormous, and even if it’s not as large as Colombia’s exports (3.9 billion US dollars), that’s still a lot of coffee. Let’s applaud Kenya since, after all, Colombia is the coffee capital. Because it is so highly prized and scarcely available domestically, Kenyan coffee is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the world. In fact, most Kenyan residents don’t even drink it.

The Great migration

This is one of the most fascinating facts about Kenya: despite popular belief that the Great Migration only takes place once a year, this natural occurrence is a cycle that lasts all year round and has no real “start” or “finish.” Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is among the best places to see one of the best wildlife migrations on earth, as the wildebeest, zebra, and antelope travel in a clockwise circle between Kenya and Tanzania. Due to the animals’ continual travel, we suggest visiting Kenya for a few months each year to have the best chance of witnessing this renowned migration first hand. The best time to plan a trip to Kenya is between July and the months that surround it.

The cradle of mankind

It is thought that modern humans, or Homo sapiens, first resided in East Africa, which includes Kenya. 2018 saw the discovery of evidence that dates back 320,000 years, indicating the emergence of modern behaviours including the usage of pigments and the creation of projectile points. Because human remains and other evidence of human life may be found all over the continent, many African nations are known for being the birthplace of humanity. The fact that Kenya is one of those nations is quite remarkable, and we have no doubt that this fact will inspire travellers who are interested in history and anthropology to visit Kenya.

The Great Rift Valley

Among the most fascinating facts about Kenya is most likely this one. The Great Rift Valley, sometimes referred to as the East African Rift Valley, cuts through Kenya from north to south. It is roughly 6500 kilometres long and 60 km broad, and it was created by geological strain in the earth’s crust more than 25 million years ago. The large valley made it possible for numerous lakes to grow, giving the nation’s animals special habitats.

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