Kenya is a country in Eastern Africa. Its Indian Ocean coast lies between Somalia to the north east and Tanzania to the south. Its other surrounding countries are Ethiopia and Sudan to the north and Uganda to the west. Although one of Africa’s more powerful economies, Kenya is still a developing country, and so certain aspects of the country’s society and infrastructure may come as a shock to some visitors from developed countries who are unfamiliar with the poverty and poor quality of life experienced by many Kenyans. HIV AIDS has recently caused some major sociological upheaval, and orphans to the disease can be found all across the country.

Although made up of many diverse ethnic groups and tribes, Kenyans have strong sense of national pride which may be due in part to unity in the struggle for Uhuru – independence from British colonial rule, achieved in 1963. Most Kenyans seem optimistic about the country’s future. Kenyans understandably pursue the business opportunities offered by tourism with a zeal that may be off putting to some visitors, but are usually open, talkative and friendly once business matters have been settled. Although foreign visitors are now a common sight in many parts of the country, there still exist vast areas off the beaten track where a white or yellow face will attract cries of “Mzungu! Mzungu!” (Kiswahili: “white person”) from local children. Visitors to these areas should think especially carefully about the long term effects of their visit on the local community, and should for example avoid giving out sweets or money without restraint – merely playing with children, or talking to and helping villagers will yield far better results than merely giving out handouts.

English is one of the two official languages and is spoken in the major cities as well as by those connected to the tourist industry. Outside of the large cities, Kiswahili (known in English as Swahili), is the other official language, and a few words of this language will go a long way. There’s also Sheng (a slang of English, Kiswahili and local languages), spoken mostly by urban youths. Tribal languages, such as Maa spoken by the Maasai, are commonplace in more remote areas; however, you will usually be able to find a local who can speak Kiswahili – although in such areas a guide will be indispensable.

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