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<!DOCTYPE HTML> <html lang="en-gb" dir="ltr" data-config='{"twitter":1,"plusone":1,"facebook":1,"style":"EAC"}'> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <base href="https://www.eac.int/culture/jamafest-2022-articles/2581-republic-of-kenya" /> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania." /> <title>Republic of Kenya</title> <link href="/templates/yoo_master2/favicon.ico" rel="shortcut icon" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <script src="/media/template/gzip.php?jquery.min-f43b5bbc.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/media/template/gzip.php?jquery-noconflict-8af2279d.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/media/template/gzip.php?jquery-migrate.min-b388ceea.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/media/template/gzip.php?bootstrap.min-f7d084c2.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/media/widgetkit/uikit2-e4168ac4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="/media/widgetkit/wk-scripts-4151396f.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/templates/yoo_master2/apple_touch_icon.png"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/media/template/gzip.php?bootstrap-24a031d5.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/media/template/gzip.php?theme-b73546ec.css"> <script src="/media/template/gzip.php?theme-d47a5652.js"></script>  </head> <body class="tm-sidebar-a-right tm-sidebars-1 tm-isblog"> <div class="uk-container uk-container-center"> <div class="tm-toolbar uk-clearfix uk-hidden-small"> <div class="uk-float-right"><div class="uk-panel"> <form id="search-201-674339aa110af" class="uk-search" action="/culture/jamafest-2022-articles" method="post" data-uk-search="{'source': '/component/search/?tmpl=raw&type=json&ordering=&searchphrase=all', 'param': 'searchword', 'msgResultsHeader': 'Search Results', 'msgMoreResults': 'More Results', 'msgNoResults': 'No results found', flipDropdown: 1}"> <input class="uk-search-field" type="text" name="searchword" placeholder="search..."> <input type="hidden" name="task" value="search"> <input type="hidden" name="option" value="com_search"> <input type="hidden" name="Itemid" value="618"> </form> </div></div> </div> <div id="tm-middle" class="tm-middle uk-grid" data-uk-grid-match data-uk-grid-margin> <div class="tm-main uk-width-medium-7-10"> <main id="tm-content" class="tm-content"> <div id="system-message-container"> </div> <article class="uk-article" data-permalink="http://www.eac.int/culture/jamafest-2022-articles/2581-republic-of-kenya"> <h1 class="uk-article-title"> Republic of Kenya </h1> <p class="uk-article-meta"> Posted in <a href="/culture/jamafest-2022-articles">Jamafest</a> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Overview of the cultural landscape</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Kenya is located in Eastern Africa, bordering Somalia and Ethiopia in the north, Uganda and South Sudan to the west and Tanzania in the south. The country is situated directly on the equator and contains an abundant and diverse set of wildlife and landscapes. Kenya’s population is also ethnically diverse. Today, there are at least 42 different Kenyan ethnic groups.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Kenya has incredible ethnic diversity. More than half of the country's ethnic groups have Bantu origins. The largest ethnic group in Kenya is the Kikuyu people. Other major ethnic groups include the Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii and Meru. Each tribe is further divided into clans or sub-tribes, sometimes understood as a family. For example, there are approximately 18 clans in the Luhya tribe. Kenyans tend to associate certain social qualities with different ethnic groups. For instance, the Luo are often seen as being proud of their language and culture. Similar distinctions of social characteristics are made within ethnic groups as well. For example, among the Kikuyu people, those living in Nyeri are commonly seen as industrious or entrepreneurs.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> Culturally, Kenyans identify with their tribe or ethnic group with many Kenyans following traditions that relate to their ethnicity, from the name they give their children to the way they serve their food. People are often especially proud of their native language as it tends to be correlated with their ethnic identity.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of national identity. Many are proud of their cultural heritage, accomplishments and the country’s successful efforts to achieve economic growth.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The language of Swahili (also known as ‘Kiswahili’) has also helped shape a common national identity that transcends ethnic boundaries. Almost all Kenyans can speak Swahili, which was selected as the national language of Kenya after independence partly due to its linguistic commonality with other Bantu-based languages in the country. English is also an official language and is mainly used for business, education and official purposes. Hence, many Kenyans also speak English at a high proficiency. Along with Swahili and English, each ethnic group speaks its language as a native tongue. Most languages in Kenya fall into one of two categories: Bantu or Nilotic. Swahili is commonly used when Kenyans communicate to other Kenyans from a different ethnic group.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>KEY CULTURAL SITES</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">Fort Jesus, Mombasa</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">This fort is one of three cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya. It was inscribed into the list in 2011 as this 16th-century fort was designed to guard the Old Port of Mombasa. This fort is the only one that was maintained by the Portuguese in the Swahili Coast. Hence, it is also a symbol of how Western power successfully established their influence on the trading activity in the Indian Ocean. The architecture of the fort itself was important to the cultural heritage of the site. Aside from showcasing Renaissance architectural style, the labor, materials and masonry techniques are inspired by the local Swahili people. Meanwhile, the fort is considered as one of the best military fortifications during the late Renaissance era.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.22.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.22.png" width="140px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Fort Jesus cultural site in Mombasa</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.26.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.26.png" width="129px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.33.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.33.png" width="139px" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">Lamu Old Town</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Lamu Old Town is considered as the best preserved and oldest Swahili settlement in the coastal strip of East Africa. This town has been continually inhabited for 7 centuries. Even today, this town still has some of Kenya’s most conservative societies. Lamu Old Town serves as the cradle of civilization for the Swahili people. This is commemorated through the many cultural festivals and Islamic celebrations in the town. In 2001, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.37.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.37.png" width="133px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.42.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.42.png" width="209px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lamu old town</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya is another entry to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya. It is composed of 11 forest sites that are located along the coast of fortified villages by the Mijikenda people. These villages are locally known as kayas.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">These villages were formed in the 16th century. But by 1940s, the villages had been left in an abandoned state. They are then regarded as sacred sites and are still being maintained by a council of elders. Due to its unique testimony to a rich cultural tradition in Kenya, it earned a spot in the UNESCO list.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.47.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.47.png" width="132px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A shrine inside the sacred kaya forest of the Miji-Kenda community</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.51.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.51.png" width="148px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sacred kaya forests of the Miji-Kenda community along the coast region</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.57.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.36.57.png" width="125px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>National Museums of Kenya & the National Archives</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Right in the city of Nairobi, these two sites act as a collection point for everything that Kenya has to offer. At the National Archives, you will find records on all the tribes, traditions and Kenyan ways conceivable. At the National Museums of Kenya, you will get to see some of the best art and show of culture from various local tribes and artists.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Bomas of Kenya</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">For those who want to experience a cross-section of all the cultures that Kenya has to offer, they only need to visit the Bomas of Kenya on Lang’ata Road in Nairobi. You will get to see almost everything that the different Kenyan cultures and traditions are made of. From mud thatched houses, to traditional cooking stoves and beautiful dances. The Bomas of Kenya is like the entire country bundled into one lovely compound.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.04.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.04.png" width="203px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Bomas of Kenya dancers in action</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.09.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.09.png" width="176px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Bomas of Kenya dancers entertaining guests</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.13.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.13.png" width="193px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Bomas of Kenya dancers performing acrobatic dance</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.18.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.18.png" width="177px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Loita Plains, Narok</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Maasai are world-renowned for simply refusing to let their culture be eroded by western influences and beliefs. And they are loved them for that! To experience the best of this majestic, yet adorably head-strong culture, one is required to take a trip to Narok. Taking a guided tour in the Loita Plains will give you an insight on how traditional Maasai live (Manyattas, spears and fearless warriors who do not flinch at the sight of a lion and a nomadic lifestyle).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Kit Mikayi , Kisumu</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Kit Mikayi in Kisumu and the Crying Stones in Kakamega are major cultural attractions sites in Nyanza and Western regions of Kenya.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.24.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.24.png" width="209px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Kit-Mikay cultural shrine in Kisumu</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.30.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.30.png" width="209px" />    </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.34.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.34.png" width="209px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.39.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.39.png" width="130px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The crying stone found in Kkakamega- Kenya</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lake Turkana</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When you venture up North, you will stumble upon an arid region known as Turkana. Lake Turkana is the biggest attraction in this vast area. This alkaline water body is the life line of a region that is mostly populated by the nomadic Turkana people. Another interesting fact is that Lake Turkana is home to the endangered El Molo people. A tribe that is quiet literally disappearing. There is almost nowhere else in Kenya that you can experience the Turkana and El Molo culture as you can at Lake Turkana.<strong> </strong>It is also credited as being the cradle of mankind</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.45.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.45.png" width="144px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lake Turkana</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.49.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.49.png" width="127px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="/images/Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.53.png" alt="Screenshot_2022-09-02_at_14.37.53.png" width="142px" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lake Turkana cultural site</p> </article> </main> </div> <aside class="tm-sidebar-a uk-width-medium-3-10"><div class="uk-panel uk-panel-box"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%90%84%F0%9D%90%80%F0%9D%90%82%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%9F%90%F0%9D%9F%93?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐚𝐭𝟐𝟓</a><br /><br />📍 Arusha, Tanzania <br />EAC Secretary General <a href="https://twitter.com/SGNduva?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGNduva</a> gives an overview of what to expect as we celebrate 25 years of progress, achievements and chart a way forward for the Community.<a href="https://twitter.com/EA_Bunge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EA_Bunge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EACJCourt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EACJCourt</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wdo8979opz">pic.twitter.com/Wdo8979opz</a></p> — East African Community (@jumuiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/jumuiya/status/1859849969915908205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" async="async"></script></div></aside> </div> <section id="tm-bottom-a" class="tm-bottom-a uk-grid" data-uk-grid-match="{target:'> div > .uk-panel'}" data-uk-grid-margin><div class="uk-width-1-1"> <div class="uk-panel uk-panel-box"> <hr style='background-color:#48a6db;border-width:0;color:#48a6db;height:5px;line-height:0;text-align:left;width:90%;'/></div></div> </section> <section id="tm-bottom-b" class="tm-bottom-b uk-grid uk-grid-divider" data-uk-grid-match="{target:'> div > .uk-panel'}" data-uk-grid-margin> <div class="uk-width-1-1 uk-width-medium-1-5"><div class="uk-panel"> <h5><strong>East African Community</strong><br /> EAC Close <br />Afrika Mashariki Road<br /> P.O. 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