Today we visit Kenya.

What I knew about Kenya before today

When I think of Kenya, I think of Safaris with Land Rovers and tents, people in colourful clothing and the beautiful open savannah.

What’s Kenya’s top tourist attraction?

Kenya’s wildlife is definitely its top tourist attraction. Most visitors come to Kenya to take in a Safari, and from what I can tell taking an early morning safari by hot air balloon certainly seems to be a Kenyan trademark.

There are two other things I’d really want to do if I get to visit Kenya. The island of Lamu looks like the perfect place to relax. I’d also like to take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa for the views and experience.

What was the last war or conflict Kenya took part in?

Kenya is currently involved in the War in Somalia fighting as part of the African Union Mission to Somalia.

Was Kenya a former colony?

Yes absolutely, although you probably could have guessed that already. Kenya was first a Portuguese colony, then eventually became British Kenya before gaining independence in 1963.

A Bizarre fact about Kenya

I’m not sure how bizarre any of these are, so have three instead:

First up, Kenya is named after Mt. Kenya, Kenya’s largest mountain and the second largest mountain in Africa topping out at 5,199 metres.

Richard Dawkins, the famous biologist and inventor of the word “meme” was born in Kenya.

Oh and finally, Queen Elizabeth II started her reign as monarch in Kenya. She was visiting Kenya in 1952 when she learned of the death of her father and immediately became the head of state of Kenya. Her reign over Kenya only lasted until 1964 though as shortly after becoming an independent country Kenya became a republic.

What are Kenya’s main exports?

Kenya’s largest export is tea and is the world’s third-largest tea producer. No wonder Kenya was a British colony.

What’s Kenya’s National dish?

Meat is very popular in Kenya with Nyama choma being Kenya's defacto national dish. Nyama choma means barbecued meat in Swahili. Nyama choma is often goat or beef and is often paired with local beer such as Tusker and side dishes like ugali.

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