Kenya is Africa’s well-known country. Also one of the most attractive tourist destination. ‘Republic of Kenya’ is the official name of Kenya. In Swahili(official language of Kenya along with English) it is called Jamhuri ya Kenya.Kenya is home to a variety wildlife like lions, elephants, rhinos, wildebeests and many more. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting fun facts about Kenya.

Facts About Kenya that will blow your mind

Largest Freshwater Lake

Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world found in Kenya. However, the country shares lake Victoria with Uganda and Tanzania. Lake Victoria originated 400,000 years ago.

Moreover, Lake Nyanza is the other name of Lake Victoria. . The total area of Lake is 26,600 square miles. It is the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria being included in Africa’s Great Lakes is a popular tourist attraction.

John Hanning was an English explorer. He also served the British army as an officer. John was the first British man to reach on Lake Victoria. He named the Lake after the name of the queen. Erratic weather conditions on the lake makes it dangerous for fishermen.

Largest river that flows into the lake is Kagera River.

Official Languages of Kenya

There are two official languages of Kenya

• 1 Swahili
• 2 English

We can understand easily that Swahili language is spoken because Kenya is located in Africa, and English due to British colonization. In Kenya these languages are called Lingua Franca.

English is spoken in schooling, government and commerce sectors. While rural and urban people speak their native language. About 16 percent of population speak English. But almost 70 percent Kenyans speak Swahili.

Best of all, Kenya is a multilingual country. There are total 68 languages spoken in Kenya that is the result of the country’s diverse population.

There are two main language families and most of the languages belong to these families. The Bantu population speak Niger-Congo. Similarly, Nilotic people speak Nilo-Saharan.

Maasai Mara Kenya

The Maasai Mara or locally called The Mara is a game reserve in Narok County, Kenya. In the local Maasai language Maa,  Mara means “spotted”.  There is a major research center in Maasai Mara to study the behavior of predators in this area.

This place is named in honor of Maasai people who live in Maasai Mara National Reserve. These people have best surviving skills. Maasai are also famous fro their unique dancing moves. Their main activity is raising cattle.

Above all, Maasai belong to tallest people in the world. These people are tall because of their healthy and nutritious diet. . Maasai people do jumping dance which is world famous random jumping called “Adamu”.

The Maasai diet include six components milk, meat, honey, blood, fresh tree bark, fats.

Kenya Religion

Christianity is the main religion of Kenyans. Almost 84.8 percent of population is adhered to it. The second largest religion in Kenya is Islam. Almost,11.1 percent Kenyans are followers of Islam. ,Likewise other religions like Buddhism, Baha’i and Hinduism are also observed.

Kenya Flag

On December 12, 1963, Kenyans endorsed their flag. There is a reason for everything on Kenyan flag.

It consists of three colors red, green and black. Every color represents something about the country. The black color in the flag represents Kenyans, the red for blood, the green shows natural wealth, and the white epitomize for peace.Similarly, the spears and Maasai shields represents defense of freedom.

Mount Kenya Facts

May be you have heard about Mount Kenya because it is Kenya’s highest mountain. Moreover, second highest mountain of Asia is Mt Kenya. This mountain didn’t have any name until 1920. The mountain is home to some rare species. So to protect these species Mt Kenya national park was established in 1949. The Kenyan government created this park for the importance of tourism. World heritage sites in Kenya include Lake Turkana National Park and Mount Kenya National Park.

The mountain is often caped with snow even in tropical climate that’s why also known as “the mountain that shines“.

Nairobi Kenya facts

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital. It is also the largest city of the country. “Green City in the Sun” is the other name of the capital. Nairobi’s natural beauty is breath taking. It is home to wildlife, full of history and culture.

A water hole known to Maasai people give Nairobi its name as Enkare Nairobi (Cold Water).

Most importantly, Kenyatta International Conference Center is present in Nairobi. Similarly the parliament building, the law courts the Jamia mosque and the Roman Catholic Cathedral carries architectural importance. Nairobi is industrial center of Kenya.

The hottest month in Nairobi is February with temperature of 69°F and July is the coldest month with 62°F. April is the most damp month.

Best Place for a Safari

Kenya is best in the world for a safari. The biggest five animals Leopard, Elephants, Lions, Rhinos and buffaloes all are found in Kenya. Therefore, the best place for African Safari is Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Definitely, the best time to go on safari are from June to October. The wildebeest population migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania and reaches Maasai Mara during August and stays there until October before moving back.

Kenya’s Motto

The motto of Kenyans is Harambee which means “Let us all pull together”.

Kenyan Food

Nyama Choma or roasted beef is the pride of Kenya. Ugali is the staple food of Kenya. It is a rich source of iron. Its main component is millet or maize flour.

Yes, the country also has some yummy junk food to offer you. Most popular junk food is chips mayai. Sukuma wiki , Mutura Sausage, Githeri made with corn and beans, Mandazi, Chapatis, Pilau, Tilapia fry, bhajiyas, Kachumbari, Mukimo, Mabuyu, Makai, Wali Wa Nazi, Karanga, Tuskar Beer, Masala Chai, Odowa salad etc are famous and delicious Kenyan dishes.

Some More Interesting Facts About Kenya

Coffee is the biggest export because all the conditions necessary for it’s growth are available. In other words, perfect acidic soil in central Kenya and sufficient amount of sunlight combined with adequate rainfall is present which are best for coffee crop.

Obviously, tourism and coffee are biggest industries in Kenya.

Almost 99 percent of Kenyan population is dark.

Kenya got independence from United Kingdom in 1963.

Shilling is the Currency of Kenya.

Largest national park in Kenya is Tsavo.

Jomo Kenyatta is the biggest international airport in Kenya.

It is interesting to know that there are over 100 different kinds of bats in Kenya.