Top5 Amazing Facts About Kenya That Will Shock You

In this article we will discuss the amazing facts about Kenya. With about 57 million people and over 120 different tribes, Kenya is known for its unique customs and culture. Kenya is the only country named after a mountain, Mount Kenya, which is Africa’s second highest peak. The name “Kenya” comes from the mispronunciation of its original name, Kirinyaga, meaning “mountain of brightness. ” Located on the equator in East Africa, Kenya has diverse climates and can experience four different seasons in one day. So let’s begin.

5) The Largest Slum In Africa

One of the amazing facts about Kenya is that Nairobi, the largest city in Kenya, is one of the most developed cities in Africa but has a significant level of inequality. Many people earn large sums of money and live in luxury while about 50% of the city’s population lives in the Kibera slum. This slum is home to millions of people who often go hungry. The World Bank estimates that Kibera has around 600,000 residents, while local leaders suggest it could be as many as 1 million, all cramped into a neglected space.

People in Kibera live in tiny wooden houses, sometimes with 5 to 18 individuals sharing a space no larger than a bathroom. The area lacks basic infrastructure, including clean water, electricity, and proper waste management. Toilets in the slum may serve 50 to 100 families, who often pay to use them, resulting in long lines. Many residents resort to using plastic bags for sanitation, known as “flying toilets,” which they throw onto the streets or rooftops.

Despite its challenges, Kibera has been featured in international films like “The Constant Gardener,” making it a focal point for filmmakers, bloggers, and documentary makers. This attention from tourists, who capture the slum’s harsh realities, has raised awareness, but residents often feel exploited. They express frustration, believing that while outsiders benefit from their stories, they receive nothing in return.

4) The Flower Garden Of Africa

One of the amazing facts about Kenya is that Africa, particularly Kenya, is a major player in the flower industry, being one of the top five exporters of cut flowers globally. On Valentine’s Day, forgetting flowers is not a problem in Kenya due to the abundance of beautiful flowers, especially roses and carnations. Flower gardens in Kenya present a stunning view, with vibrant colors and lovely fragrances filling the air.

Additionally, millions of Kenyan roses are processed into rose essential oil each year, which is an important ingredient in luxury perfumes. Well-known brands, like Yves Saint Laurent, use Kenyan rose oil in their high-end perfume lines.

3) World’s Best Coffee

One of the amazing facts about Kenya is that many people in Kenya have a strong connection to coffee, and its rich flavor and acidity make it highly appreciated globally. Kenyan coffee is recognized as some of the best in the world and often appears in international competitions. For a true Kenyan coffee experience, visitors can go to Java House, the largest coffee chain in Kenya.

Interestingly, most Kenyans do not drink coffee as much as one might expect; they prefer selling it instead. Growing coffee for profit takes priority over social media for many, as the coffee industry plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy, contributing about 25.4% to the annual GDP. In 2024, Kenya is expected to export around 47,800 tons of coffee, highlighting the focus on exporting rather than consuming coffee locally.

2) Car Free City

One of the amazing facts about Kenya is that Kenya faces heavy traffic congestion, especially in busy cities like Nairobi. However, there is a unique city in Kenya, Lamu, that has no cars. Founded in 1370, Lamu is the oldest town in East Africa and was built before cars were invented. Its roads are too narrow and winding for vehicles, so the main transportation methods are donkeys and hand-drawn carts.

Donkeys have been important to Lamu for centuries, and there is even a hospital to care for them. For longer distances, residents use Dow boats. Lamu’s car-free status makes it similar to Venice, but it stands out as a historic town developed long before the modern car era.

1) Gikomba Market

One of the amazing facts about Kenya is that Gikomba Market in Nairobi is the largest open-air market in Kenya and a key spot to experience local culture. It is one of the busiest markets in East Africa, filled with thousands of stalls creating a lively atmosphere of bargaining and trade. As you enter, you will see vendors calling out to customers while buyers search through piles of second-hand clothes for unique finds at low prices.

This market attracts traders from all over Kenya and neighboring countries. Additionally, Gikomba promotes environmental awareness by using banana leaves and newspaper for wrapping goods, following the ban on plastic bags in 2017.