GeographyKenya is one of the world's most geographically diverse countries. Its eastern region contains a coastline of the Indian Ocean, which consists of many low plains and swamps. On the other hand, central and western Kenya consist of a geographical wonder called The Great Rift Valley (Downing, 2008). This region contains many volcanoes, some of which are active, and a group of lakes. It also has Africa's second largest mountain, Mount Kenya (pictured above). Lake Bogoria (pictured below) is one of the Rift Valley's most interesting landmarks. It is surrounded by geysers and home to massive amounts of flamingos (Kenyaology, 2013).
Current EventsIn recent time, violence fueled by religious differences has been a major issue in Kenya. On April 2, several men of the Al-Shabab terrorist organization killed 147 people at a University in northeast Kenya (Howerton,2015). The attack was motivated by religion, with one survivor quoted saying, "If you were a Christian, you were shot on the spot. With each blast of the gun I thought I was going to die" (2015). For more information on this awful attack, watch the video below and read the full story at TheBlaze.com.
In light of the recent terror attacks by al-Shabab the Kenyan government started the process of building a barrier along its entire border with Somalia (allAfrica, 2015). This effort is to prevent further insurgents and is causing a major debate among tax payers. Deputy President William Turo said the fence would stretch 700 kilometers. "Whatever it is going to cost us and whatever it will take, we are going to make sure that our country is safe" (2015). Tax payers believe this is a monumental waste of thier money and the wall will not be successul keeping out the undesirables. Read the full story here. Tourist AttractionsMasai Mara Game Reserve- Located in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, this open grassland reserve is one of Kenya's main attractions. 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds have been recorded on this reserve, making it the place to see for wildlife. Buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and hippos are some of the animals that tourists hope to see. However, the Mara is most famous for its Great Migration of wildebeests which occurs annually between July and November (Kenya Tourism Board, 2014). Over 1.5 wildebeests populate the area during this time, and it is truly a sight to behold. There are countless other national parks in Kenya that have incredible wildlife, and this section of Kenya's tourism website gives great descriptions of some major ones.
Mombasa- An island connected to mainland Kenya by bridges and ferries, Mombasa has evolved into a modern cosmopolitan trading port. A big tourist attraction in Mombasa is Fort Jesus, "an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbor" (2014). This is a very interesting historical landmark, as it is the center of a 16th century struggle between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. Tourists marvel at the fort's ancient turrets and underground tunnels (2014). Lake Victoria- Lake Victoria is mainly part of Tanzania and Uganda, but also lies on Kenya's western border. This is the largest like in Africa (twice the size of the English country of Wales) and it is the source of Africa's Nile River. Lake Victoria is a wonderful spot for fishing, especially with the presence of the Nile Perch, a world class game fish (2014). Observe Lake Victoria on the map below to get a sense of just how large it actually is. |
CultureKenya is also extremely culturally diverse. Kenya is home to over forty different ethnic communities. However, Kenyans would not use the word ethnicity. They would describe their relations as tribalism (2008). Different tribes have different speaking languages, religious beliefs and cultural customs. Before British colonialism these tribes did not have strict boundaries separating them. Some tribal tension existed, but for the most part tribes were willing to trade, intermarry, and support each other in times of hardship. However, when the British colonized they defined strict communities and imposed the belief that an individual can only belong to a single ethnic group. Ever since, clashes among rival tribes have been very prevalent in Kenya. Over fifty years after Kenya gained its independence from Britain, tribalism is still an issue today. People are constantly fighting one another, just because their beliefs differ (2008).
EconomyFarmland is Kenya's biggest resource, but it is also relatively scarce. Only 14% of Kenya's land is suitable for farming, so this creates a lot of competition (2008). Agriculture makes up 30% of Kenya's GDP, but many more people are living as subsistence farmers (which isn't counted by GDP) (2008). Tea is easily Kenya's biggest export, with other agricultural products like fruit, corn, nuts, and coffee behind. After agriculture, one of the largest sectors of Kenya's economy is tourism. Just one look at Kenya's Tourism Website will show you how much the country has invested in tourism. Kenya's geographical landmarks and interesting wildlife make it a big tourist attraction. Some might argue that tourism is more important to Kenya's economy than agriculture. This is why recent events involving terrorism in Kenya could be such a major blow to Kenya's economy. Publicized attacks will dissuade potential tourists, cutting off one of Kenya's principal sources of income.
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Kenya's Significance
You may be asking, "Why should people be interested in learning about Kenya?" Well, Kenya has emerged as one of Africa's leaders, and plays an important role in resolving conflicts in Sudan and Somalia (Global, 2008). This nation is an important partner with the United States with anti-terrorist programs. United States intelligence agencies work hard to block extremists, mostly from Somalia, from spreading through East Africa. Kenya remaining allies with the United States is critical to help prevent the spread of Muslim takeover in East Africa and the future of the country (2008). An Islamic take over of Kenya would impact not only the region but the entire world.
Mombasa is a busy international port in Eastern Africa and the entire region relies on the port for imports and exports (Magical, 2015). Kenya's ports serve as main stops to spread aid in East Africa with shipments headed to Somalia (2008). Nearly all of Keny's neighbors rely on their ports and highways for delivery of goods. If this country is in turmoil the economic impact across the continent would be devastating.
Mombasa is a busy international port in Eastern Africa and the entire region relies on the port for imports and exports (Magical, 2015). Kenya's ports serve as main stops to spread aid in East Africa with shipments headed to Somalia (2008). Nearly all of Keny's neighbors rely on their ports and highways for delivery of goods. If this country is in turmoil the economic impact across the continent would be devastating.
Page Designed By Nick Costello
References:
"Global Market Brief: A Second Look at African Infrastructure." Stratfor Global Intelligence. N.p., 03 Jan. 2008. Web. 24 Apr. 2015.
Howerton, Jason. "Latest on Easter Week Slaughter in Kenya." The Blaze. The Blaze Inc, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.
"Kenya: Anti-Terror Border Wall Sparks Heated Debate." AllAfrica. UN Integrated Regional Information Networks, 17 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
"Kenya." New Encyclopedia of Africa. Ed. John Middleton and Joseph C. Miller. 2nd ed. Vol. 3. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2008. 96-108. World History in Context. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.
"Lake Bogoria National Reserve." Kenyalogy. N.p., 2013. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
Magical Kenya. Kenya Tourism Board, 2014. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
Images:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Rift_Valley,_Kenya
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Jesus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Rift_Valley,_Kenya
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Group_of_Loxodonta_africana_approaching_a_dirt_road_south-west_of_Salt_Lick_Game_Lodge_in_the_Taita_Hills_Wildlife_Sanctuary,_Kenya_6.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Jesus