KENYA: 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

 KENYA: 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

Photo Credit: www.maasaiwilderness.org

It is a fact that Kenya has got one of the best Safari life and beaches that simply compare to non other in this world. Kenya which is an East African country has got a lot to offer to the world and in this video, we share the 10 Interesting Facts about Kenya that you probably didn't know;

10. Swahili Origin. In case you didn't know the origin of the Swahili language, many sources say and believe that the widely spoken language could have originated from Kenya. These sources say that it could have began in the 18th century as a working business language between the Arab traders and the Bantu speaking people of East Africa and it is said that the language could have begun between the Lamu archipelago and the island of Zanzibar. Today, Swahili is widely spoken in countries like; Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Malawi, Mozambique and many other communities around the East and South African part of the African continent.

9. Mountain Kenya. Kenya also boasts as the country with the second-highest peak on the African continent which is found on Mountain Kenya. The Batian peak which stands at 5,199m Above seas level is the second highest point on the African continent and it annually receives tourists from all over the globe.

8. First Nobel Peace Prize. In 2004, Wangari Maathai became the first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She was a social, environmental and political activist that worked so hard to see Kenya become the country that it is today. Unfortunately, cancer claimed her life in 2011 at the age of 71 years.

7. Multi Lingual Country. While many people perceive Kenya to be an only Swahili speaking country, the country has got over 60 languages that are spoken within its boarders. These languages come from the over 60 tribes that are in the country with the Kikuyu, Luhya, Jaluo and the Kalenjin being the most dominant tribes in Kenya.

6. Olympics Giants. Kenya is the only African country that has always represented the African continent very well at the Olympics games. The country has the highest number of medals collected at the competitions making it one of those giants on the African continent in terms of sports. Kenya over the years has produced some of the greatest long distance runners like Eliud Kipchoge, Benjamin Jipcho and many others that has represented Kenya at the world stage.

5. 50 National Parks. Kenya is one of the most naturally endowed countries with an amazing wildlife. The country has a total of 50 National parks and Game reserves that include the Maasai Mara where the largest animal migration of over 2 million animals happens every single year. If you've been looking for a place to go for a Safari experience, Kenya should definitely be one of those on your list.

4. Biggest Flower Exporter. When you think of decor and fragrance, always think about Kenya. This is simply because the country is the largest exporter of flowers on the African continent. These flowers highly contribute to the Kenyan economy because they're grown on a very large scale in the country. It's from here that these flowers are exported out of the country to be able to earn Kenya some foreign revenue. 

3. Polygamous Country. In 2014, the Kenyan parliament instituted a law that legalized polygamy in the country. The men in Kenya are free to marry more than one wife of their choice although some are restricted due to their religious beliefs. 

2. Staple Food. If you're preparing to visit Kenya, the brace yourself for some nicely prepared Ugali meal. Ugali is the staple food of the country and it's widely enjoyed across the entire country. This is a porridge-like mixture that's made from mingling maize flour in hot boiling water. Ugali can be served with beef or any other type of source to make it a complete meal.

1. Women's Village. The Umoja village found in the Samburu country is one of its kind on the African continent because it's only inhabited by women. The women in this village are those that have been depressed by societal issues like domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, etc... So, they decide to go to this village called the Umoja village as a way of finding refuge and confinement in other women.

Well, that's Kenya and the 10 Interesting facts about this beautiful East African country. In the comments, let us know which amongst these 10 interested you most and maybe where you're reading this from.

You can also check out our Speak Swahili For beginners Cource that we created specifically help you learn and speak Swahili like a native speaker.