The flag of Kenya
Kenya
Kenya, located in East Africa, has breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It's famed for its savannahs, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley, and mountain highlands. As a premier safari destination, Kenya offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, including the famous Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations.
Overview

Capital: Nairobi

Area sq km: 580367.00 km²

Area sq miles: 224081.00 mi²

Population: ~ 55.10 million

Official Languages: Swahili, English

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSh)

Driving Side: left

Quick Facts

ISO Codes: KEN

Calling Code: 254

Median Mobile Internet Speed:

  • Download: 22.44 Mbps
  • Upload: 9.20 Mbps
  • Latency: 30 ms
  • Global Rank: #104

Median Broadband Internet Speed:

  • Download: 10.19 Mbps
  • Upload: 11.73 Mbps
  • Latency: 12 ms
  • Global Rank: #158

Electrical Socket Type:

Socket Type G G No alternative plugs will also fit in type G sockets
Geographical Information

Continent: Africa

Bordering Countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

Climate: Kenya's climate varies from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior. There are generally two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The best time to visit for safaris is during the dry seasons, from late June to October and from December to mid-March.

Travel Essentials

Emergency Police: 112

Emergency Ambulance: 112

Emergency Fire: 112

Tipping:

Vaccinations for Most Travelers: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid

Vaccinations for Some Travelers: Yellow fever, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal disease, Polio, Rabies, Tuberculosis

Cultural Insights

History

Kenya's history is as diverse as its landscape. Inhabited by humans since the Lower Paleolithic period, it has a rich precolonial history, marked by the migration of various tribes into the region. Kenya was a British colony from the late 19th century until its independence in 1963. Post-independence, Kenya has navigated a path of economic development while dealing with various social and political challenges.

Culture

Kenyan culture is a vibrant mix of tribal traditions and modern influences. The country is home to many ethnic groups with their languages, customs, and crafts. Music and dance play a significant role in Kenyan culture, with traditional Maasai music and dance being particularly well-known.

Cuisine

Kenyan cuisine is varied and influenced by the country's diverse ethnic groups. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and nyama choma (grilled meat). Coastal cuisine is known for its blend of tropical flavours, particularly coconut and seafood.

Language

Kenya is a multilingual country with Swahili and English as the official languages. Swahili is widely spoken and serves as a lingua franca among various ethnic groups. English is predominantly used in government, business, and education.

Politics

Kenya is a democratic republic with a multi-party system. Since introducing a new constitution in 2010, it has made significant political and social reform strides. However, political developments can be dynamic, and travellers should stay informed about current situations.

Religions

Safety and Legal

Tap Water

Tap Water Global Rank #155

#1 would be highest quality tap water and #195 would be lowest quality tap water.

Crime

Global Crime Rank #16

#1 would be highest in crime and #195 would be lowest in crime.

LGBTQ

Global LGBTQ Rank #161

#1 would be highest in LGBTQ friendliness and #195 would be lowest in LGBTQ friendliness.

Cannabis Laws Recreational Illegal Medical Illegal

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