12 Fun & Interesting Kenya Facts for Kids 2024
We get Kenya in a nutshell for all the kids out there; after reading this blog till the end, you will know Kenya much better. You will find anything and everything about Kenya, from geographical facts to climate, wildlife, and population.
12 Interesting Kenya Facts for Kids
The earliest records of Kenya’s history began in 500BC.
The Bantu tribe settled in Kenya around 500 BC. Around the same time, European explorers and Arab traders started dropping mainly in the coastal regions of Kenya around Mombasa. Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city. Since 1985, Kenya has been a part of the East Africa Protectorate and was controlled and governed by the British Empire. In 1920, Kenya was referred to as British Kenya; the country gained independence from Britain in 1963.
Kenya’s geography is rich and varied.
Kenya is located in East Africa and lies on the equator. The country borders the Indian Ocean. Kenya borders five countries: Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia. This country is smaller than the state of Texas/USA and bigger than France in Europe. The name comes from Mount Kenya, but the actual word originates from Kikuyu and the Kamba language. Kikuyu means ‘God’s resting place. Kenya has a tropical climate along the coast and an arid environment in the highlands. Around 50% of the country is used for agriculture. One of Kenya’s most interesting physical features is the Great Rift Valley, located in Kenya’s interior. Its longest river is the Tana River.
Kenya’s wildlife is vivid and beautiful.
Kenya has vivid wildlife, with a variety of species of mammals and birds. On a safari in Kenya’s jungle, you will encounter animals like lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, monkeys, etc. Kenya has a term called ‘Big Five,’ which refers to leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. These five animals are found countrywide in national parks and game reserves all over the country. You can also easily spot dolphins in the coastal towns near Mombasa and Malindi and sea turtles in Watamu.
Kenya’s main source of income stems from agriculture.
Kenya’s 1/3rd of National Income comes from Agriculture. Around 75% of the country’s population works in the agriculture sector. Agriculture, without a doubt, is the prime occupation of Kenyans. Agriculture gives Kenya the highest national income and the country’s highest employment generator. Tea is one of the most significant producers in Kenya; the country leads in tea production and is the third largest tea producer in the world after China and India. Apart from Tea, the other main export crop is coffee. Roses are also massively produced in Kenya and are one of the leading agricultural exports. Kenya has agriculture trading with Uganda, Pakistan, the USA, China, and India.
Kenyan food consists of variety and a lot of flavors.
The staple food of Kenyans is cereals and pulses like corn, millet, sorghum, and beans. Fruits and vegetables are also considered a staple. The favorite drink of Kenyans is Tea, and Kenya is the world’s third largest tea producer. Although coffee is produced mainly in Kenya, most of it is exported outside, and only a minimal amount of coffee is sold in Kenya. The most popular drink in Kenya is ‘Chai Masala.’
Kenyan food is often inspired by cuisines from other countries.
Arabic and Indian cooking styles primarily influence the dishes made by the people on the eastern coastline. They use similar spice mixes and cooking techniques. Fresh fish and seafood are available principally in the coastal regions of Kenya. ‘Tilapia’ is a freshwater fish that is prevalent in Kenya. It is sourced from Lake Victoria. Some of the most popular dishes in Kenya are Ugali, Sukuma, Wiki, Nyama Choma, Kachumbari, and Githeri. There are many others too, but these are a few of the names most loved and enjoyed by the people in Kenya.
Kenya has many sights to see and places to visit.
Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world that borders a capital city. Mombasa has a 1.2 million population and is the second largest city in Kenya after Nairobi. Mombasa is the central coastal city and the country’s biggest seaport. Watamu is a small town south of Malinda and is popularly known for its National Parks, clear turquoise waters, and amazing beaches. The marine park in Watamu is also known as an egg-lying site for the endangered green sea turtles. Lamu Old Town is one of the six UNESCO world heritage sites and is great for cultural trips to explore the region’s history. Kenya has 50+ National Parks which beautifully preserve native wildlife against all hunters and poachers. Maasai Mara National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in the country. Amboseli National Park offers spectacular views of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in neighboring Tanzania.
Some of the world’s most famous people are from Kenya.
Barack Obama has Kenyan heritage, thanks to his father. Additionally, the first African woman who got a Nobel Prize was a Kenyan doctor named Wangari Muta Maathai (1940-2011). She was a political and environmental activist and founder of the Green Belt Movement. The movement was about environment conservation and women’s rights.
- Kenya has a very diverse and wide population.
The population in Kenya is extremely diverse and large. Based on data provided in 2017, we know that there are over 45 million people in Kenya, most of whom are under the age of 30. There are over 115 ethnic groups scattered throughout the country, including people belonging to the Meru, Somali, and Kamba groups. Kenya is also home to one of the large slums in the world. It is called Kibera and consists of over 150,000 people. A small percentage of the country’s population consists of Europeans, Indians, and Arabs. However, it is also important to note that even though the Kenyan population is so diverse and large, only two languages are officially recognized. These are Swahili and English.
Tourism is another major contributing factor to Kenya’s economy.
While agriculture is where Kenya earns most of its income, it also earns a significant amount of revenue through tourism. People all over the world travel to Kenya to visit its national parks, mosques, and forts and witness the wildebeest migration that occurs once a year. Tourists also enjoy visiting the tea and coffee plantations at Kericho and Thika, respectively, as well as some of its coastal regions.
People travel from all over the world to witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya.
Every year in August, Kenyans witness a massive wildebeest migration. The Largest wildebeest herds cross the Mara River and move into the Maasi Mara National park. Almost one million wildebeests in August cross the river Mara.
Historians believe that groups of the earliest humans lived in Kenya.
There is historical evidence to prove that the earliest human beings lived in Kenya and practiced trading and making pigments. This evidence was discovered in 2018.
Bottom Line
Kenya is a beautiful and fascinating place with its culture, people, and geography. We hope you know Kenya a little better now. Make sure to explore and enjoy this beautiful country. Learn new things about the world. Visit cool kid facts to learn some interesting facts.