Kenya Culture is a rich blend of traditional African tribal cultures, along with Arabic, Portuguese and British influences left over from days gone by. More recently Hindu influences are also permeating Kenyan culture.
Nomads who roamed the land in search of fresh feeding grounds for their goats and cattle bring colourful costumes and the vibrant rhythms of drums and percussion to the beat of modern African life. Arabic and Hindu overtones swell the songs of Kenya with stringed instruments and lilting melodies while chants and dancing echo the victories of warriors and hunters who make their living off the land.
Kenya food is a mêlée of African recipes like Irio and Ugali, tempting fruit like creamy bananas and sweet papayas, Indian samosas, and meat like beef or coconut chicken served with peanut soup in colourful calabashes. Local dishes are rich in cereals and grains such as pea beans, millet and cornmeal. Nairobi and Mombasa are good places to find excellent restaurants offering a fine array of food styles influenced as much by American and English cooking as they are by Indian cuisine and native African dishes. Have you ever tried barbecued Zebra? Or savoured succulent roasted warthog served with locally brewed beer...called muratina!
Although Kenya's people are predominately Christian, representing both the Roman Catholic and Protestant sects of Christianity, Kenya Culture is influenced by many religions and has no state religion as such. Many Kenyans practice Islam or Hinduism.
Tribes migrated into Kenya from the bordering countries of Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. The Kikuyu came with the Bantu tribes in the great migrations that took place years ago. Today, the nomadic tribes such as the Maasai, the Samburu and the Turkana find their old lives becoming unsettled.
It becomes harder and harder to maintain a life chasing water and good feeding grounds for their livestock in today's modern Kenya culture. But these noble tribes bring a legacy steeped in colourful fabrics, beaded jewellery and elegant rituals that continues to influence modern life and create the unique and varied melting pot of civilization that makes Kenya what it is today.
Find out more about Kenya, its culture and its traditions at http://www.my-kenya-guide.com/kenya-culture.html
Maggie Nguyo
Author Bio
Maggie Nguyo is a Kenyan who is well versed with most Kenya travel aspects. She is also the editor of http://www.my-kenya-guide.com, a website that is invaluable to travellers to Kenya. Written in a simple and personal manner, this website gives you insights and tips to help you to plan for your most memorable holiday in Kenya.
