Kenya

Kenya is a country that is only twice the size of Nevada; where AIDS, drought, volcanos and flooding occur, and carries the terrifying estimation that you will only survive until 58 years old.
LOCATION Kenya is a country in East Africa, that lies on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Kenya borders Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest. It is a whopping 219,788 square miles on land, and 224,961 square miles in all. It has a population of 40,046,566 people, and life expectancy is only to 58 years old. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, and the highest point is Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters. Kenya has a lot of topographical diversity, including snow-capped mountains, the Rift Valley with scarps and volcanoes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes, and coral reefs and islets. Kenya is a generally dry country, but is also very humid. D:

Like in this picture, Kenya has many flat desert landscapes and grasslands. Supporting the right forearm with the left hand while shaking shows special respect for a leader or elder. Using the left hand alone is improper when greeting someone. Pointing at someone with the index finger is rude. It is improper to touch an elder. Public displays of affection (including holding hands) are not acceptable in most areas. Sunday is a popular day for making visits. = KENYA'S HISTORY/CONFLICTS =
 * [[image:photo-kenya-kikuyu-d-084.2.jpg width="384" height="260" align="left"]]
 * = TRADITIONS =
 * In Kenya, there are many traditions that have been followed since long ago.
 * In Kenya, if you make eye contact with someone, you become trustworthy.
 * Children call their aunts "young mother" or "older mother", depending on their age.
 * Children call their aunts "young mother" or "older mother", depending on their age.
 * Enjoying afternoon tea is a daily custom throughout the country.
 * One washes one's hands before and after eating, often in a bowl at the table.
 * Warriors avoid eating in the presence of women
 * 1) ====== Scientists believe that Kenya was the place the first humans ever lived, back 2 million years ago. Portuguese took control of Kenya in the early 1500s. The land then went under British control in 1890 and a Crown colony in 1920, named British East Africa. Talk of rebellion started in the 1940’s, and in 1952, the Mau Mau movement rebelled against the government. The fight lasted 4 years, until December 12, 1963, when Kenyans won their independence. Kenya’s government was fine in the beginning, but by their second president, their economy wasn’t doing very well. By 1995, president Moi decided to arrest anyone who insulted him. ======

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By 1997, a series of disasters started to take place in Kenya. There was severe flooding that destroyed roads, bridges and crops; cases of malaria and cholera overwhelmed the people, and the health care system was not very reliable. Ethnic related fights broke out all across the Rift Valley, and on August 7, 1998 a U.S. embassy in Kenya was bombed in a terrorist attack; killing 243 and wounding more then 1,000. Kenya is regularly ranked among the 10 most corrupt countries in the world. ====== In 2001, Kenya attempted to pass an anti-corruption law, but it was rejected, and imperiled any aid from outside countries. By 2000, the new president, Kibaki, made some helpful changes in the collapsing economy. Yet, by 2004, no new progress was made in the constitution or limiting the governments' power. A constitution was written, but was soon rejected because of the expansion of the president's power. More disasters took place over the next couple of years. In January 2006, a drought spread through Kenya, and put 2.5 million Kenyans through starvation. By February 2008, more then 1,000 people had died due to ethical violence between tribe fights and very heated presidential debates. But finally, In November 2009, a constitution was written saying they would get rid of the presidental position all together, and put religious leaders as the head of the country. Later, in 2010, a new Bill of Rights was passed, transferring more power to local governments instead of the religious leaders having all of it. and become a republic. The president still has the most power, just not as much, and now with more leaders making decisions with him. On October 16, 2011, Kenya sent troops out to battle Shabab militant group, a sworn member of Al-Qaeda. They bombed the Shabab bases, and cleared them out. For a country known for it's laid back policy, it was surprising to see such an aggressive act be put into action. (The US had no knowledge of the planning of this battle, even though they are allies.) KENYA'S CURRENCY The money in Kenya is called Shilling. It goes up to 100 cents, and is available in 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. In bank notes, (bills) they come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings. Kenya's major industries include plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes, oil refining, aluminum, steel, lead, cement, commercial ship repair, and tourism. They also grow tea, coffee, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef and pork; just to name a few. Kenya's major exports are tea, coffee, petroleum products, fish, and cement.

= KENYA'S CULTURE = In Kenya, there are many different tribes, including:


 * ===*The Masai (The most famous tribe in Africa)===
 * ===*Rendille===
 * ===*Orma[[image:http://www.kenya-advisor.com/images/kikuyu-woman-250x250.jpg width="244" height="226" align="right" caption="kikuyu woman"]]===
 * ===*Boran===
 * ===*Gabbra===
 * ===*Kiuyu===

These tribes are the best known through out Kenya, and some of Africa. Each tribe has taken some kind of tradition from the other, it is not unusual to see people from different groups in the same blood family. Which tribe you belong to is also the most important thing in your social life. A lot is based on what tribe you are in.

KENYA'S FESTIVALS/HOLIDAYS

 * ====New Year's Day==== || ====1st January==== ||
 * ====Good Friday==== ||  ||
 * ====Easter Monday==== ||  ||
 * ====Labor Day*==== || ====1st May==== ||
 * ====Madaraka Day*==== || ====1st June==== ||
 * ====Moi Day*==== || ====10th October==== ||
 * ====Kenyatta Day*==== || ====20th October==== ||
 * ====Jamhuri (Independence) Day*==== || ====12th December==== ||
 * ====Christmas Day==== || ====25th December==== ||
 * ====Boxing Day==== || ====26th December==== ||