Lorenzo Jackson III

Past & Present History Early Kenya history evidence shows that man's prehistoric ancestors roamed Kenya as early as four million years ago. Kenya’s modern history, however, did not start until the Cushitic people of Northern Africa moved into present day Kenya around 2000 BC. Thousands of years later, at around 200 AD, the Bantu arrived and settled along Kenya's coast. Later, between the 10th- 14th centuries, the Nilotic people arrived and occupied the Great Rift Valley plains.

The People The people of Kenya are comprised of 42 ethnic groups or tribes, each with its own unique values, skills, language and cultural practices. ` There are 42 Kenya tribes, each contributing to the country's diverse and rich culture and heritage. The tribes of Kenya are known for their unique history, culture, values, lifestyle, language, religion, and food.

The People Kenya's population consists of poor Kenyans (black), Europeans, Asians and Arabs. However, above all other traits, it is the hospitality, warmth, spirit, and hard- working nature that make Kenyan people special. Kenyan people rise above race and color. They treat each other with respect. The Kenyan people do no blame the British for controlling their country. They feel that they are responsible for their own fate. Kenyan people fall into three major cultural groups: the Bantu, the Nilotes and the Cushites.

Major Tribes The Bantu people or tribes live in the coastal, central and western regions. Seventy percent of the population lives in 30% of the land in Africa. As people, Kenyans live a highly social and collective lifestyle where their extended family, large pool of friends and community shape the course of their existence and well being. Most of the tribes either farm or fish. Kenya's Kamba people are renowned for their exceptional wood carving skills.

Taste of Ethnic Kenyan Food One delightful element about Kenyan food is its various flavors. Kenyan cooking draws upon a variety of ethnic traditions merged with the seasonings and tastes of outside countries. Because of Kenya's long-standing relationship with foreign settlers and its colonization by the British, the taste, cooking methods and presentation of Kenyan foods have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Arabs, Europeans, and Pakistanis as well as some western countries. Kenya food recipes are simple and only require a short time to prepare. The recipes use basic food ingredients you can buy from your local grocery store, fresh food market, or supermarket

The Different Languages Spoken in Kenya Kenya is a country of many languages. When visiting Kenya, the ability to speak some basic Swahili can win you many smiles, not to mention the fact that it is a fun language to speak and learn! Knowledge of Swahili becomes even more essential if you plan to stay or work outside of the urban areas, or in the more remote parts of the country where most people do not speak English. Apart from English and Swahili, Kenya's two official languages, each of the country's 42 ethnic groups also has its own unique dialect.

Culture Kenya culture is a fascinating way of life that blends the traditions of thousands of years of African social evolution with the modern influences of the 20th century. The multifaceted culture of Kenya is expressed in different forms, ranging from its people and language, food, music and dance, art, artifacts, theatre and literature to its ethnic values and ethical norms. Combined with other traditions, these forms of expression and lifestyle form an identity that is uniquely Kenyan.

Conclusion Despite having so many ethnic divisions and languages, the people of Kenya have one important quality in common - they are proud to be Kenyans. They are united by their national language - Swahili - and their quest for life.

Questions When were Kenyans first known to be in Africa? When did the modern history of Kenya begin? What people live in Kenya? Do Kenyans think the British spoiled their country? How many ethnic groups live in Kenya? How much of the land do the Bantu tribe cover? Is a Kenyan food dish hard to prepare? What major language is spoken in Kenya? How do Kenyans express culture? What keeps Kenyans united?

Answers to questions In prehistoric times about 4 million years ago. When the Cushitic moved to Kenya in 2000 B.C. The population consists of Kenyans (black), Europeans, Asians and Arabs. No. They take responsibility for themselves. Forty-two. 30% No. Food can be fixed from items at your grocery store. Swahili and English. Culture is expressed in the people and language, food, music and dance, art, artifacts, theatre and literature, and the ethnic values and norms. They are kept together by their pride, their language, and their quest for life.