Population

The Population was 31.639.091 in 2003 and consists of more than 30 tribes of which the best known are the Maasai, Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kelenjin, Kamba, Kisii and Meru. With non African origin are Asians, Europeans and Arabs.

Languages

Swahili is the official language and English is also widely used. Further many tribal languages so as Luo, Mara or Kikuyu. This variety leads to the fact that in urban areas many Kenyans are able to deal with three or even more languages.

Arts

African Art was traditionally the adornment of functional objects such as ceremonial masks. Today soapstone and wooden carvings are made for sale. Asian colonists introduced batik (paintings on waxed cloth) to Kenya. The batiks made in Kenya today are uniquely African.

Kenyan literature dates back to centuries of Swahili poetry. The European colonial period is marked by the writings of authors such as Karen Blixen (Out of Africa) and the political struggles of the 20th century have produced the works of Jomo Kenyatta (Facing Mount Kenya), Dedan Kimathi (Makers of Kenya’s History) and Oginga Odinga (not yet Uhuru). Traditional Kenyan music includes Tarabu (Swahili sung poetry)  and Benga  music which was popularized in the 70s and 80 of the last century. Drum music and dancing feature strongly in Kenyan tribal culture and Maasai and Samburu dance performances can be seen by tourists. Today’s music is influenced by British, American and Jamaican Music.

Architecture

Kenya has a variety of architecture ranging from timber-framed houses with mud walls to the modern buildings of Nairobi. There are also examples of buildings from the Swahili culture, such as the old town of Lamu (on the World Heritage list).

Sport

A variety of sporting activities are popular in Kenya.  These include football, basket ball, rugby, cricket and golf. The country’s athletes have an excellent record of track and long distance achievements in the Olympics and international competitions. The Safari Rally hosted by Kenya is Africa’s longest annual Rally.