KENYA (PART 1)

The Republic of Kenya is an East African country that boarders the Indian Ocean and is located between Somalia and Tanzania. The true origin of the name "Kenya" is unknown, but historians link it to the Kikuyu, Embu and Kamba words Kirinyaga, Kirenyaa and Kiinyaa, which mean "God's resting place" in all three languages. On December 12, 1963, Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom. Kenya is now recognized as the economic and transport hub of East Africa.

Governance

Kenya is comprised of 47 counties and each has its own semi-autonomous governing system. Formed in 1963, the Kenyan national government is made up of the judiciary, legislative and executive arms. All roles are set forth and carried out by the Constitution of Kenya. Nairobi is the largest city in the country and is also the capital.

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the first prime minister (1963- 1964) and President of Kenya  (1964- 1978) is considered the founding father of the nation. Credited with leading Kenya to independence and setting up the county as a capitalist state, Kenyatta is respected and revered by people all over the world. His son, Uhuru Kenyatta was elected President of Kenya in 2013 and still serving that role.

Economy

Kenya is considered the financial, communication and transportation hub of East and Central Africa. The countries major industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining & minerals, industrial manufacturing, energy, tourism and financial services. It ranks as the 72^nd largest economy in the world and one of the most developed nations in Africa. Strategic infrastructural investments have positively impacted Kenyas GDP growth, estimating a rise to 5.9% in 2016 and 6.1% in 2017. Its increased exportation of tea, plans for oil production and exportation by 2017, and ongoing recovery in the tourism sector, put Kenya on track to become an African powerhouse nation in the next 10 years.

The exchange rate of the Kenyan shilling as of 2016 was KSh 1 to US $.0099. As of July 2015, the nation’s inflation rate is 6.62%. 

Kenyan People

There are over 42 different ethnic groups in Kenya, some of which include the Bantu, Cushite, Nilotes, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii and Meru, to name a few. The two official languages are English and Kiswahili, however Kenyans typically speak their mother tongues in addition. The vast array of ethnic groups cultivates an environment of creativity, diversity and breeds unique cultural exchange.  This is also true of cultural encounters with other countries.

Indian migration to modern day Kenya began with the construction of the Uganda railway between 1896 and 1901. Approximately 32,000 indentured laborers where recruited from British India to work on the railway. Many laborers voluntarily settled into various cities across east Africa, and continue to reside in these counties to date. As a result, several aspects of Indian culture have been fused with Kenyan culture. This influence is most evident in the evolution of Kenyan cuisine.