General Facts

Economy

Kenya been experiencing positive economic growth with the growth rate in 2007 being about 6.3%, as compared to 3% in 2003. External development aid to Kenya amounts to only about 1% of the country’s GDP.
The main income earners for the country are tea, coffee, horticultural products and tourism.
Kenya’s main imports are manufactured goods and industrial products such as machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, iron and steel. The country’s currency is the Kenya Shilling.

 
Political

Kenya gained independence in 1963 and since then has evolved politically from a single-party to a multiparty democratic state. Currently the country is governed by a grand coalition of the two major parties in the country. The general elections held in 2007 were closely contested and resulted in violent outbreaks and unrest in some parts of the country. To restore peace and harmony in the country, a peace accord was agreed upon by the two major parties and this led to the forming of the Grand Coalition government where power is now shared equally.

Culture

Kenya comprises of 42 indigenous tribes, each with their own special culture and traditions. The national language of the country is Swahili and a good number of Kenyans are fluent in English as well. Kenya is a largely agricultural nation and therefore most of the food consumed is home-grown. The Kenyan diet comprises mainly of maize, beans, rice, potatoes, a variety of vegetables, fish, beef and chicken.

 
Social

While the country is making positive strides in terms of economic and social development, there is still a long way to go. Poverty and inequity is still a major issue for Kenya with over 45% of the country’s population living below the poverty line. This means that they are unable to meet their basic food and non-food needs. Regional income disparities in the country are quite high with 84% of the poor living in the rural areas.
Other challenges that the country faces are health issues with HIV/AIDS remaining a key concern, as well as other tropical diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and cholera.