Kenya is located on the eastern coast of Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, and Somalia to the northeast. The country also has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

Geography

Kenya’s geography is incredibly diverse, encompassing coastal regions, savannah plains, highlands, and mountain ranges.

Climate

The climate in Kenya varies from tropical along the coast to arid and semi-arid in the interior regions. The country experiences two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December.

Fauna

Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife, with iconic species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras roaming its national parks and reserves. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, a spectacle of nature.

Longest Rivers

The longest river in Kenya is the Tana River, which flows for approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the Aberdare Mountains to the Indian Ocean. Other major rivers include the Ewaso Ng’iro and Galana rivers.

Highest Mountains

Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, stands at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level. The Aberdare Range and Mount Elgon are other notable mountain ranges in Kenya.

History

Kenya’s history is rich and complex, with evidence of human habitation dating back millions of years.

Prehistory

The Rift Valley region of Kenya is known as the “Cradle of Humankind,” with archaeological sites such as Olduvai Gorge providing insights into early human evolution. Homo habilis and Homo erectus are believed to have lived in the region millions of years ago.

Early Settlements

The coastal regions of Kenya were influenced by trade with Arab merchants as early as the 8th century. The Swahili culture, a blend of African and Arab influences, emerged along the coast, characterized by its vibrant trade networks and urban centers.

Colonial Era

Kenya came under British colonial rule in the late 19th century, leading to significant social and economic changes. The British introduced cash crops such as coffee and tea, built infrastructure such as railways and roads, and implemented policies that favored European settlers over the indigenous population.

Independence Struggle

The struggle for independence from British rule gained momentum in the mid-20th century, led by political leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Dedan Kimathi. The Mau Mau uprising, a guerrilla war against British colonial rule, played a crucial role in Kenya’s path to independence.

Post-Independence

Kenya gained independence in 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta becoming the country’s first president. The post-independence era was marked by political stability, economic development, and social progress, although challenges such as corruption and ethnic tensions persisted.

Modern Age

In recent decades, Kenya has emerged as a regional hub for trade, finance, and technology. The country’s diverse economy, youthful population, and strategic location have contributed to its growth and development.

Demographics

Kenya has a population of approximately 53 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Africa. The population is ethnically diverse, with over 40 different ethnic groups, including the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, and Maasai.

Administrative Divisions

Kenya is divided into 47 counties, each headed by a governor and an elected county assembly. These counties are further divided into sub-counties, wards, and villages.

List of Administrative Divisions with Population

  1. Nairobi County – Population: 4,397,073
  2. Kakamega County – Population: 1,867,579
  3. Bungoma County – Population: 1,670,570
  4. Nakuru County – Population: 2,283,595
  5. Meru County – Population: 1,545,714
  6. Kiambu County – Population: 2,417,735
  7. Kisumu County – Population: 1,155,574
  8. Mombasa County – Population: 1,208,333
  9. Machakos County – Population: 1,421,932
  10. Kisii County – Population: 1,266,860

10 Largest Cities by Population

  1. Nairobi
  2. Mombasa
  3. Kisumu
  4. Nakuru
  5. Eldoret
  6. Malindi
  7. Kitale
  8. Garissa
  9. Kakamega
  10. Thika

Education Systems

Education in Kenya is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The country has a well-established system of primary and secondary education, with efforts to improve access to higher education. Some of the top universities in Kenya include the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University.

Transportation

Kenya has a comprehensive transportation infrastructure, including airports, railways, highways, and ports.

Airports

Kenya has several international airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and Kisumu International Airport in Kisumu.

Railways

The Kenya Railways Corporation operates a railway network connecting major cities and towns. The total length of Kenya’s railways is approximately 2,778 kilometers.

Highways

Kenya has an extensive network of highways, with major routes connecting urban centers and border crossings. The total length of highways in Kenya is approximately 177,000 kilometers.

Ports

Kenya has several ports along its coastline, including the Port of Mombasa, which serves as a major gateway for trade and commerce in the region.

Country Facts

  • Population: 53 million
  • Capital: Nairobi
  • Language: Swahili, English (official)
  • Religion: Christianity, Islam, Traditional beliefs
  • Race: Various ethnic groups including Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, and Maasai
  • Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
  • ISO Country Codes: KE
  • International Calling Code: +254
  • Top-level Domain: .ke

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