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Described as the "cradle of humanity", Kenya is a country with exotic beauty sprinkled all over. The diversity is evident in the existing 40 ethnic tribes. Geographically, it is situated in the east of African continent and shares it's borders with countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda. It is also the coast line of Indian Ocean from the South-East borders. Specialists say that Kenya was one of the habitats of the man's initial ancestors.
Official Languages:
Swahili and English are two official languages of Kenya. A Bantu Language, Swahili belongs to the Niger-Congo family. While English help them communicate at the international level, Swahili make their bond from their Mother-land all the more strong. Both the languages are made compulsory to be taught in schools of Kenya.
Independence, Republic and Government:
The Kenyan history has witnessed many ups and downs. The country faced colonization from Portuguese and then from Omani Arabs. During the rule of Omani Arabs, the slave trade was at it's peak, which was operated through sea in nineteenth century. The British Navy opposed it and established their rule over the country. During twentieth century, many Englishmen became wealthy by doing farming on the fertile land of Kenya.
With Mau Mau struggle raising against the British rule, the country was in a state of emergency. But with the arrest of Dedan Kimathi on 21 December 1956 the Mau-Mau movement came to an end. Legislative Council conducted first elections for African in 1957 and Kenya African National Union (KANU) formed it's government. Soon after came the day when Kenya got it's independence on 12 December 1963.
In present times Kenya operates under Presidential Representative Democratic Republic. The executive power is with government and the legislative powers are both with government as well as with National Assembly. The President is the head of both. Judiciary, on the other hand, has been kept from the influence of both bodies of the government.
Top Cities of Kenya:
Nairobi: The capital city, Nairobi contains some of Kenya's best skyscrapers. The pubs and discos are a must to visit while you are in Nairobi. International restaurants, shopping malls and all you want being a tourist in Kenya. In order to have a glimpse of the life style of the residents you can also pay a visit at the regions nearby the river, which are full of local residents and shops. There are unique parks and gardens designed in the traditional manner. The Nairobi National Museum, Railway museum, Parliament House etc all make it a nice tourist place.
Kiambu:The town is located amidst the hills of Kikuyu. It is the best place to enjoy the rural landscape of Kenya. The Kiambu club offers place for sports like golf, tennis and swimming.
Nyeri: Great rift valley lying in the middle of Mount Kenya marks the most beautiful site of the place Nyeri. You might not find any thing to see in the city, but the neighboring regions to Nyeri has a lot to offer. This place holds immense historical significance for Kenyans as the great freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi was arrested at the same place.
Voi: This city shares it's border with the Tsavo National Park. It is the oldest and a very huge park that preserves the wild life of Kenya.
Culture and Heritage:
With the elements of various communities like Swahili, Maasai and others, Kenya displays a unique blend of all the cultures. Kenyans have a unique form of music that is famous among themselves. Among the latest most loved music forms is benga. Kenyans music got recognition globally in around 1950s. The food in Kenya mainly consists of non-vegetarian cuisines. Tuskeer beer made in Kenya is a must to have with meals. Due to beautiful beaches, fishing and diving are some of the favorite sports in Kenya.
Due to it's varied and rich culture, Kenya offers the same variety of heritage too. The National Archive services, the museums, the wildlife parks, libraries, cultural centers and theater groups form a part of the country. Swahili literature was one of the oral literature forms in the world. In present times, Ngugi Wa Thiongo, Mugo Gatheru, Chinua Achebe are some of the names who have carved a nuche of their own on the world's platform.
Tourism
You will find all sorts of hotels, resorts and beach cafe in Kenya. On the one hand, the country has an enticing range of exotic landscape and on the other hand, it proudly possess contemporary infrastructure and other facilities. The place is mostly visited for it's wildlife parks, the tribal culture that still can be seen, the rich culture displayed through museums etc. Due to the country's excellent literature, many intellectuals too get attracted to the place.
To know more about the country, Kenya, keep flipping through the pages of countriesandcapitals
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