Most of the believing population of Kenya are Christians. About 38% profess Protestantism, 28% – Catholicism. Muslims make up 10%. All other residents are adherents of traditional local beliefs.
Transport in Kenya
Kenya is usually reached by plane with transfers in Zurich, London or Amsterdam.
The country has a well-developed network of local airlines. In total, there are more than 200 airports and small private airfields that serve small aircraft. Small charter flights are most often used by tourists who want to get into the National Parks. Between the cities of Kenya, the fastest way to travel is by mini-buses, which are called “matatas” here. They ship as they fill up. These buses are not very reliable because they are owned by private companies and are not very comfortable. Between major cities in Kenya there are also modern express buses that are more expensive than minibuses. Rail transport in the country is poorly developed, it connects the largest cities in Kenya, but, in general, it is impossible to get to the most popular tourist attractions by train. Ferry service is developed on the coast and on the lakes. In addition, here you can hire a sailboat “dhow”, which will take you to the desired point.
In the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, internal communication is represented by an extensive network of bus routes. In other cities, the best way to get around is by taxi. However, the price must be negotiated in advance and try to call the car by phone from the hotel.
Many tourists prefer to travel by their own car, especially in the National Parks. In order to rent a car, you must be over 23 years old, have an international driver’s license, a credit card and a driving experience of more than 2 years. It should be noted that traveling alone in Kenya is not safe, so be sure to hire a guide.
Plant and Animal World in Kenya
The vegetation of the coastal and inland plains is sparse. The southern part of the coast is dominated by mangrove swamps and coconut palms grow. Deep in the northeast of Kenya are semi-deserts. In the vicinity of Lake Rudolph, shrub thickets grow with free-standing baobabs and acacias. The Central Highlands are dominated by tall-grass savannahs, which give way to tropical rainforests with height.
Elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, various types of antelopes and monkeys live in Kenya. Crocodiles and hippos are found in the area of Lake Victoria. Birds include ostriches, pelicans, flamingos and bustards.
Minerals in Kenya
In Kenya, soda, fluorite, table salt, gold and rubies are mined.
Banks in Kenya
Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:00, as well as every first and last Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 11:00. Bank branches at airports are open around the clock.
Money in Kenya
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. 1 Kenyan shilling is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings and coins of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings and 5, 10 and 50 cents.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank branch and exchange offices. Some major hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tourist offices accept major international credit cards. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at bank branches. To avoid additional exchange fees for traveller’s checks, it is best to purchase them in US dollars and pounds sterling.
Rate: 1000 Kenyan Shillings (KES) = 8.72 USD
Political State in Kenya
According to politicsezine, Kenya is a sovereign republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years. Legislative power belongs to the Government and the unicameral parliament – the National Assembly. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the President and the Government headed by the Vice President.
Population in Kenya
About 99% of the country’s population are Africans who belong to various ethnic groups. The most numerous of them are the peoples of the Bantu group – the Kikuyu, Luhya and Kamba, the Luo, Kalenjin and Meru groups of peoples are also distinguished. In addition to Africans, Asians, Europeans and Arabs live in Kenya.
Language:
The official language of Kenya is English, which is taught in schools and is the language of all government documents. But most of the population speaks Swahili (the language of the Bantu peoples with Arabic dialects), so it is considered the national language. In addition, there are over 40 vernaculars in Kenya.
Cuisine in Kenya
Kenyan cuisine includes traditional African dishes and dishes introduced by European colonists.
Of the national dishes, tourists should definitely try exotic ones – antelope fillet, elephant stew, crocodile meat with banana salad, ostrich roast with fruit sauce and fried termites. Of the more traditional dishes, one can single out game fried in dough, buffalo steak, veal stewed with vegetables. As a side dish in Kenya, rice, beans and corn are usually served.
The cuisine of the coastal regions is distinguished by a huge variety of seafood dishes. It serves octopus stew, tortoise stew, char-grilled trout and Nile perch in banana leaves, oysters and seaweed salads.
For dessert, Kenyans usually eat fresh fruit. The most popular drinks are freshly squeezed fruit juices with ice, tea with milk and coffee.
From alcoholic drinks, you can advise local beer “Tasker”, “White Cap”, honey beer “uki”, cane gin “Kenya Kane” and coffee liqueur “Kenya Gold”.
