Culture & People of Kenya

Despite the many ethnic groups in Kenya, there are a few attributes that apply to most Kenyans. By and large, the people of Kenya are easy-going, amiable, humorous and helpful, making traveling and interacting with them a real pleasure.

You'll be warmly received if you try to speak Swahili to locals, and particularly so by those locals who don't speak much English. Courtesy extended is courtesy received; take the lead from the locals and you'll have an easy time in the country.

The national language of Kenya is Swahili (KiSwahili), which was originally an amalgamation of Arabic and the local African languages of the area. English is also spoken by many people throughout the country.

After a period of British colonialism independence was finally achieved on December 12 1962, Uhuru Day, when the British flag was lowered and replaced by the Kenyan flag - green for the land, black for the people, and red for the blood spilt for freedom.

Jomo Kenyatta was the first leader of independent Kenya and his approach was one of appeasement and conciliation, recognising the necessity of cooperation between races for mutual benefit. His rallying cry ("harambee!" - all pull together) became the national motto.

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