KENYA MAP

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But now most visitors’ first impression is of the the utterly different scenery outside Nairobi, of the sweeping Athi plains and game straying among the thorn bushes of theNairobi National Park.

North-west of the capital again, with upland farms reminding one of a sunlit England, while higher still the thick rain forest ofMount Kenya and the Aberdares are as mysterious as the perpetual snow on the Equator is paradoxical. Finally, the arid semi-desert of the north, bordering on Ethiopia and Somalia, seems in yet another world.

Kenya fires the imagination of everyone who comes here. It is not surprising that over the years since independence it has become internationally recognised as one of the most magnificent and exciting holiday areas anywhere.

Geographically Kenya covers 582,647 sq km (225,000 sq miles) and lies across the Equator. Its Indian Ocean coastline is 608 km (380 miles) long, while its centre is cut by the Great Rift Valley, running north to south and containing a variety of lakes. The largest river is the Tana, which flows in a wide curve eastwards from the slopes of Mt. Kenya (17,058 ft) to the Indian Ocean.

Kenya is home to Arabs, Asians and Europeans as well as more than 48 main African tribes. Some like the Masaai are famous as warriors. Others like the EL Molo up at Lake Turkana or the Waliangulu Elephant hunters near Tsavo Park, are few in number, shy and still backward. The largest are the Luhya (24%); followed by theKikuyu (21%) where the head of state comes from; the Luo (20%) on the famous Lake Victoria; the Kalenjin (17%); the Kamba (10%) centred on Machakos and Kitui; the Meru (10%) and the Kisii (6%). The non-African community who include the Asians, Europeans, Americans and Arabs comprise 2% of the population.

The total population stands at 29.3 million. A century ago there was great rivalry between the tribes, but today everything is concentrated on collaboration and Kenya’s motto of Harambee, which means ‘Let’s all pull together’. The Harambee concept has come under a lot of fire recently and politicians have been barred from officiating in any such ventures.

Traditional dances and costumes are cherished as part of the country’s cultural heritage. They are brimful of vitality too and the Chuka drummers, for instance, have drawn crowds to overseas performances in London and elsewhere not to mention the famous Muungano choir and the Kamba dancers. Broadly, there are three ways of getting to see traditional dances:

If there’s a celebration such as on one of the National holidays of the country, there are likely to be public performances.

If you are on a tour, you may find an exhibition arranged at some point, for instance at the Bomas of Kenya in Langata. Perfomances can be seen here from monday to Friday starting 2.30pm-4.00pm, Saturday-Sunday from 3.30pm-5.15pm and public holidays from 3.30pm-5.15pm.

Many Hotels also have their own organised performances. Indeed the fierce dancer wielding a spear may be the same man who earlier carried your suitcase to your room!

One word of caution here. If you happen accidentally upon a local Ngoma which is Swahili for a dance or celebration, make sure to ask if you may stay and watch, especially before taking photographs. These are private affairs.

When the British colonised Kenya they introduced both Asian and European minorities. The Asians came mostly to work on the railway, then branched into trade. Since independence the Asian community has continued to grow in number and in prosperity.

Public holidays, when banks, shops and government offices close are Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Madaraka Day (June 1 or the following day if June 1 falls on a Sunday), Kenyatta Day (October 20), Jamhuri or Independence Day which may soon be christened Mashujaa Day (December 12). Additionally the Moslem holidays of Id-ul-Azha are observed by all people of the Islamic faith.

About the author

Henry Kimathi began writing poetry at the age of 15 alongside other literary works. He holds a BSc. in Agricultural Economics and is currently finalising his MBA thesis in Management Information Systems. Besides Economics, Henry is also a Web Design Specialist, Computer Programmer and a DeskTop Publishing Specialist. Henry currently works as a Regional Communications Officer with an international not-for-profit organisation and is in charge of systems administration, creative art design and press management. He has written two unpublished novelletes and is working on an African horror novel. He has penned a series of short stories and articles on a variety of topics published in journals and magazines. Henry realises little is known about his country Kenya and has thus developed a passion to right this through a website he has put together which can be accessed at www.enchanted-landscapes.com Poems by Henry Kimathi: Poems from the heart

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Nairobi Kenya’s capital

Even though Nairobi is near the Equator, its high elevation brings cooler air. To the west of Nairobi the land descends to the north-south running through the Great Rift Valley—the valley floor is at its lowest near Lake Turkana further in the deserts of northern Kenya. Around Lake Turkana, scientists have discovered some of humankind’s earliest ancestors—a fossil known as Kenya Man, that was dated at 3.5 to 3.2 million years old.

Kenyan people, tribes and culture

Kenya is host to Forty ethnic groups, including Kikuyu farmers and Maasai cattle herders, three-quarters of Kenya’s people is also located in the country side. The total population stands at 33,830,000 with 2,818,000 staying in the capital city Nairobi.

Kenyan Weather

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The country receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rain season occurs from April to June.

The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

It is worthwhile to note however that even in the rainy season, the weather is ideally tropical with several hours of sunshine every day. It’s never cold and gloomy.
Kenyan Mountains and Great Rift Valley

The terrain is low plains rising to the central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley fertile plateau in west. The Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers on Mt. Kenya; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value.

Kenya-Africa animals and Wildlife safari parks

Kenya has considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including much of the Serengeti plains, where Wildebeest and other bovids participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 Wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. The annual migration occurs between June and September with millions of wildlife taking part. It has been a popular event for filmmakers to capture.

The “Big Five” animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya and these include the Lion, the Leopard, the Buffalo, the rhino and the biggest of them all – the Elephant. A significant population of other wild animals, reptiles and birds can be found in the national parks and game reserves in the country.

About the author

Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant with Landmark Safaris. He is degreed in tourism and hospitality management and author to 500 Kenya tour articles. For free Kenya safari info visit them @ http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php

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The Great Rift Valley runs down from Lake Turkana down to the Kenyan coast. Many lakes dot the entire stretch of the valley where numerous volcanic mountains and escarpments form beautiful landscapes. Some of the Lakes include lakes Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru, Bogoria and Baringo. The Mountains include the dormant volcanic Longonot on the floor of rift valley.

The central highlands are the most fertile and border the Aberdare Ranges with temperatures of about 10-14 degrees and high of 22-28 degrees. The rainfall varies from 20 mm-200mm falling in March/June and Octomber/November. Main activity is farming due to the favorable climatic conditions.

The Kenyan Lake side in Western of Kenya is humid , dry and the rainfall spreads throughout the year. The Kakamega forest is in Western province and is a rich tropical forest with diverse types of birds in their natural habitat. It the heaven for bird watchers and photographers in Kenya. The main economic activity along the Kenyan lakeside is fishing.

The coastal region is mostly a tourist zone with large of it covered by the Tsavo national parks and reserves. It’s hot and humid all year with low rainfall. The cool sea breezes sweeps through the land lowering the temperatures. The temperatures usually range from 22-30 degrees all year. The region has the largest tourist establishments and the best in the country. The white sandy beaches are an attraction on their own.

To the Northern parts of Kenya, temperatures vary from 20-40 degrees and have poor rainfall. The area is very dry, bushy and dotted with deserts. The economic activity in this zone is rearing of sheep, cattle, camels which keep on being moved from one area to the other in search for fodder and water. It’s mostly inhabited by nomadic communities like the Samburu.

About the author

Paul Gitau is a Researcher and Reporter on Kenyan Tourism. For More Information on Tourism in Kenya, Visit His Site at xenopages.com – Kenya’s Online Tourist Guide.

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Visitors to our wide network of Parks and Reserves will experience a wide range of Climatic Conditions. These will depend on the time/seasons of the year one vistis Kenya. Clothes to bring along should therefore be adaptable.

However, many of the parks are located in low altitude areas and have temperatures ranging from warm to hot in the day and cool to cold at night. Wear outfits that befits the weather,so that in the cold mornings, you start well rugged and can “peal off” as the day warms up. Basic clothing include, loose fitting long trousers and shirt/ T-shirts, a hat and sunglasses to shield you against the sun, lace up shoes. Clothing should be natural and earthly colored or Khaki. Locally made safari outfits are available in a number of shops in Kenya.

You will also find a birds’ guide, mammals’ guide and a map of Kenya quite handy. These can be purchased from our gift shops.

Other essential things to include in your safari bag include a torch, insect repellant, binoculars and plenty of camera films. It is advisable to travel with a small medical kit that includes any basic remedies you may need, such as antacids, painkillers, anti-histamines and cold remedies

What health precautions do I need to observe while on or before taking a safari to the Kenyan Parks and Reserves?

Visitors to the country need take a vaccination against cholera and yellow fever. Other Vaccinations recommended are against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis. Some vaccinations may need a course of injections and thus allow sufficient time for this.

As a precaution against Malaria, prophylactics should be taken before, during and after a visit to Kenya. Preventive measures include using effective protection against bites such as an insect repellant and mosquito nets.

Other than taking obvious precaution, a visit to the park should present very limited health hazards.

Can you recommend a reliable/reputable tour operator for safaris in your Parks and Reserves?

Many reputable small and large Tour Operator firms organize safaris into KWS Parks and Reserves, they offer expert driver guides, information and wildlife viewing trips into the parks. We at Kenya Wildlife Service work closely with individual tour operators as well as with their umbrella organization, Kenya Association of Tour Operators KATO, to ensure that they operate to the very high standards of professionalism.

For wildlife viewing safaris or a specialist’s safari to the Parks and Reserves kindly contact any of the tour operators listed on http://www.katokenya.org

Can I pay my Park entrance fees in advance,nad what mode of payments should I use?

If you are visiting the parks on a package tour, your tour operator will include park entry fees in the total cost of your safari. However, if you are visiting on a self-organized tour, you do not need to pre-pay your park entrance fees, Park entrance fees, camping fees and self-catering accommodation fees are paid on arrival at the park gate.

In the five major Parks, Aberdares, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Nairobi and Amboseli National Parks entrance is by Smartcard While other parks require the paper tickets

How much does a safari to Kenya cost? The cost of a safari varies depending on the kind of safari (luxury or budget) and on the length of itinerary you wish to undertake. Generally a safari could cost between US$70 to US$400 per person per night for Park entrance fees and other services offered such as meals, accommodation and game drives.

Our park entrance fees, camping fees, vehicle entrance fees and other charges are listed on the tariff sheet

What is the security situation in your parks and reserves? Security for our visitors to and in the parks and reserves is our most important concern, through intensified patrols on the wildlife viewing circuits, campsites around guests houses and bandas and on park/reserve access roads. We ensure excellent security for our visitors.

By observing simple park rules and regulations, our visitors are assured of minimum accidents during their visit and stay in the Parks and Reserves.

Although security for our park visitors is high, visitors need to observe the basic precautions in urban centers i.e. avoid walking in dark/isolated areas at night, do not wear flashy jewelry, avoid carrying valuables around, etc

What is the weather pattern in Kenya/ When is the best time to visit your Parks and Reserves?

Kenya experiences varied weather conditions in the year. Most of the Parks and Reserves with the exemption of mountain and forests parks are located in areas that predominantly experience dry, warm to hot conditions.

Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. These climatic variations are due to differences in topography across the country.

Our Parks and Reserves offer year round attractions and activities to suite your interest and schedule. However, there are two distinct tourist seasons, which generally correspond to local climatic conditions;

High season: – July-December and December to March, these are the best months to visit our parks for wildlife viewing and other activities. (Easy wildlife viewing because of short grasses in the parks, plenty of food for wildlife, good sunny climate)

Low Season: April-June. Long rains are experienced during this time. Most park roads may require use of four Wheel drive vehicles.

What accommodation facilities are available in the Parks/ Reserves? There are a variety of visitor accommodation facilities in our Parks and Reserves to suite your taste, budget and safari style.

Within the Parks and Reserves, Visitors’ accommodation range from Luxury lodges and tented campsites to private budget campsites operated by individual operators.

KWS runs public and special campsites, and Self-catering accommodation units (Bandas) which provides accommodation for visitors wanting to experience a closeness to the wild away from the beaten track.

How can I be involved/ support KWS conservation activities and programs?

KWS works together and in partnership with various organizations and individuals.

If you would like to join and support KWS in its many conservation programs you can contact the Director through:

Kenya Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 40241 – 00100, Nairobi – Kenya, Tel: (254-020) 600800 Fax: (254-020) 603792. E-mail: kws@kws.org

Where can I buy KWS branded souvenirs gift items and park maps? You can buy branded KWS gift items, souvenirs, curios, park maps and guide books from our shops located at:

Kifaru Ark Shop, Nairobi National Park, Main Gate, Langata Road.

Elsa Gift Shop, Hell’s gate National Park, Elsa Gate.

Man Eaters Gift Shop, Tsavo West National Park, Main gate, Mtito Andei.

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The erstwhile single party which separated in August 2007 into two. The two parties are the Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya (usually known simply as ODM), and the Orange Democratic Movement–Kenya (known as ODM–Kenya).

The name “orange” originates from the ballot cards in the referendum, in which a ‘Yes’ vote was represented by the banana and a ‘No’ vote was the orange. Thus the parties claim successorship to those who did not support the referendum at the time.

The original linchpins of the ODM were Uhuru Kenyatta’s KANU party and Raila Odinga’s LDP, but KANU have since pulled out, and the two groupings are headed by Raila Odinga (ODM) and Kalonzo Musyoka (ODM–Kenya).

Constitutional referendum The ‘No’ vote which the ODM campaigned for won out with 58.12% of Kenyans voting down the proposed constitution, granting victory to the Orange. Following the rejection of the constitution, President Mwai Kibaki proceeded to dismiss his entire cabinet.

The response of the ODM was to say that this was a step in the right direction, but called for immediate general elections for the entire Kenyan government, claiming that the Kibaki regime had lost its mandate as a result of the referendum which it vigorously campaigned in favor of. Kibaki’s government has resisted this and elections were not held until the last week of Kibaki’s five-year constitutionally-mandated tenure.

However, the ODM has emerged as a major opposition party along with KANU, and has organized a number of rallies throughout the country asking for elections and a new constitution amongst other demands. Also, the ODM has protested Kibaki’s new cabinet. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which opposed the referendum, was dropped out of the cabinet.

2007 elections After the 2002 elections KANU was beaten into opposition, while LDP was a partner in the ruling NARC coalition, until it was kicked out after the 2005 referendum. LDP had supported no vote at the referendum, thus being against president Kibaki.

Following their united stand in the referendum debate and responding to a threat by a newly formed Narc-Kenya party, the leaders of KANU, LDP and some smaller parties decided to team up for the upcoming 2007 Kenya general elections, forming the Orange Democratic Movement, which was named after the symbol of an orange used to represent “No” in the referendum. However, opportunist lawyer Mugambi Imanyara managed to register ODM as a party before the coalition did, forcing them instead to use the ODM-Kenya banner.

As 2007 progressed the coalition proved unstable, with various factions defecting. Uhuru Kenyatta’s KANU were the first, pulling out in July 2007 and endorsing President Kibaki’s reelection, although some individual KANU politicians stayed in ODM. Then, due to internal rivalry between Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga, ODM split into two factions in mid-August2007.

Raila’s group, which also included Musalia Mudavadi, William Ruto, Joseph Nyagah and Najib Balala defected from ODM Kenya and took over the ODM party registered by Mugambi Imanyara, while Kalonzo’s group, led by himself and Dr. Julia Ojiambo remained in the original ODM-Kenya.

The two factions held their elections for presidential candidate on consecutive days at the Kasarani sports complex in Nairobi. On 31 August 2007, Kalonzo Musyoka defeated Julia Ojiambo for the ODM–Kenya ticket, then on 1 September Raila Odinga defeated Ruto, Mudavadi, Balala and Nyagah. There were allegations that some delegates attended and voted in the nominations of both parties bringing to light the problem of ambiguous political party membership that is in Kenya. Raila and Kalonzo then faced president Kibaki in the general election. Kibaki won the election, but Raila Odinga and his supporters disputed the results.

ODM became the largest party in parliament after the December 2007 elections with 99 members of parliament and went ahead to win 3 out of five by-elections in early 2008. However it seems that the jinx of losing Members of Parliament still haunts the party since no sooner had by-elections been conducted in the constituencies of two ODM MPs who were killed at the beginning of the year than two more MPs died in an aircraft crash.

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1. Central
2. Coast
3. Eastern
4. Nairobi5. North Eastern
5. Nyanza
6. Rift Vally
7. Western

The provinces are subdivided into
71 districts (wilaya)
which are then subdivided into
262 divisions (tarafa). The divisions are subdivided into
2,427 locations (kata) and then
6,612 sublocations (kata ndogo)

A province is administered by a Provincial Commissioner (PC).

Kenyan local  authorities mostly do not follow common boundaries with divisions. They are  classified as City, Municipality, Town or County councils.

A third discrete type of classification are constituencies. They are further
subdivided into wards.

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This is not unusual since the Ministers who are elected members of parliament, are responsible both individually and collectively to the legislature for the administration of their Ministries.

THE EXECUTIVE The Executive power is held by the President who is elected by direct popular vote for 5 years. The President is usually assisted by an appointed Vice-President and a Cabinet. The winning candidate at Presidential elections must receive no less that 25% of the votes in at least five of Kenya’s eight Provinces.

The current President is H. E. Mr. Emilio Mwai Kibaki who took over the Presidency on 30.12.2002 from ex-President Daniel T. arap Moi after the 2002 General elections.

LEGISLATURE

In Kenya, Legislative power is vested in the unicameral National Assembly with 224 members (210 elected by universal adult suffrage, 12 nominated, the Attorney-General, and the House Speaker as ex-officio members). They serve a term of 5 years, subject to dissolution of parliament.

The maximum term of the National Assembly is five years but can be extended. The President can dissolve it at any time. The National Assembly may also force its own dissolution by a vote 2/3 majority vote.

Currently, the ruling party is the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) which won the 2002 General elections. The Party that has ruled Kenya since independence in 1963 is KANU.

Kenya has a multi-party political system with over 40 registered political parties. Kenya became a one party state in 1982 through an amendment of the constitution. However, in 1992 Section 2A of the constitution was repealed to pave way for the re-introduction of multi-party politics in the country.

THE JUDICATURE

The High Court of Kenya: This Court has unlimited criminal and civil jurisdiction at first instance, and sits as a Court of appeal from subordinate courts in both criminal and civil cases. The high Court is also a Court of admiralty. There are two Resident Judges at Mombasa and at Nakuru and one resident puisne Judge at Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nyeri, Kisii and Meru.

Resident Magistrate’s Courts: These have countrywide jurisdiction with powers on punishment by imprisonment up to five or by fine up to K£500. If presided over by a Chief Magistrate or Senior Resident Magistrate, the Court is empowered to pass any sentence authorized by Law. For certain offenses, a Resident Magistrate may pass minimum sentences authorized by law.

District Magistrate Courts: These are Courts of First, Second and Third Class. They have jurisdiction within the Districts and powers of punishment by imprisonment for up to five years or by fines of up to K£500.

Kadhi’s Courts have jurisdiction within districts, to determine questions of Islamic Law.

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Today, the main Christian denominations in Kenya are Protestant confessions, which make up 38% of the country’s religious composition. They include the Anglican Church of Kenya, and the Presbyterian, Reformed, Baptist, and Pentecostal churches. The Roman Catholic Church represents 28% of the population.

Islam The Sunni path of Islam is the religion of approximately 10% of the Kenyan population. However, estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam vary widely. For instance, according to some sources, estimates for the percentage of Muslims in Kenya range from 20% to as high as constituting 45% of the total population.

The North Eastern Province is predominantly ethnic Somali and Muslim. The Coast Province also has a significant Muslim population. Nairobi has several mosques and a notable Muslim population.

Religious Shari’ah courts, called Qadi Courts, are given jurisdiction over certain civil matters such as divorce and inheritance under the constitution of Kenya.

Muslims have complained that they are targeted and discriminated against by the government, particularly since the 1998 United States embassy bombings in Nairobi and elsewhere. The religions subsiding in Kenya do not display the distinctions between the 42 cultures. They mainly display the traditions of the larger “umbrella” cultures.

Baha’í Faith Present in Kenya from 1945, in its brief history the religion grew to an estimated of 308,000 in 2005 or about 1% of the population. In the 1990′s the Bahá’ís in Kenya participated in a nation-wide community health project including vaccinations, maintaining latrines and developing clean water sources.

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