"Utamaduni" Culture
Kenya is known for its remarkable diversity, both in its people and their cultures. The country is home to approximately 42 distinct tribes, each with its own language and customs. These unique identities blend together to form the rich cultural tapestry that defines Kenya. The six largest tribes make up nearly half of the country's population, and as a result, their traditions have a more pronounced influence on Kenyan culture as a whole.
This cultural diversity is evident in the variety of traditional clothing worn across the country. Each tribe has its own distinctive style of dress, making traditional attire in Kenya a vibrant expression of heritage. Cultural practices, especially marriage ceremonies, also vary between tribes, with each community bringing its own traditions and customs to these significant events.
People and Culture of Kenya
In terms of language, Swahili and English serve as the national and official languages, enabling most Kenyans to communicate with ease across ethnic lines. However, many people still speak their native languages, which form a key part of their tribal identity.
Kenyan tribes are generally categorized into three main linguistic groups:
Bantu-speaking tribes:
Central Bantu: Kikuyu, Akamba, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, Mbere
Western Bantu: Gusii, Kuria, Luhya
Coastal Bantu: Mijikenda, Swahili, Pokomo, Segeju, Taveta, Taita
Nilotic-speaking tribes:
Plains Nilotic: Maasai, Samburu, Teso, Turkana, Elmolo, Njemps
Highland Nilotic: Kalenjin, Marakwet, Tugen, Pokot, Elkony, Kipsigis
Lake River Nilotic: Luo
Cushitic-speaking tribes:
Eastern Cushitic: Rendille, Somali, Boran, Gabbra, Orma
Southern Cushitic: Boni
This linguistic and cultural variety highlights the richness of Kenya’s heritage, where each community adds its own distinct traditions, clothing, and beliefs to the nation's collective identity.
The traditional food of Kenya, is as mixed and diverse as its tribe's, history and landscapes. Each tribal area has its own specialities, but below are some of the most common Kenyan food dishes that you can sample whilst on your travels.
Kenyan Food to Start the Day
Kenyan breakfasts tend to be a fairly sparse meal compared to Western ones. Generally, most Kenyans start their day with Chai (Swahili word for tea), this is usually very milky and sweet.
Accompanying the chai is just a hunk of bread (mkate in Swahili) and maybe a piece of fruit. In more affluent households, in the city and coastal areas, you’ll find mandazi. Which is a kind of deep fried dough similar to an unsweetened doughnut, that tastes and smells divine.
Drinks and Snacks
As tea and coffee is grown in Kenya these are the favoured beverages across the country. Both the tea and coffee is so good, many travellers end up taking some home with them. In the more rural areas you’ll find maziwa lala, which is a fermented milk, it is easily digested by someone that is lactose intolerant, which many Kenyans are.
Soda’s are of course popular all over the world and Kenya is no exception - there is nothing better to depict modern Kenya than seeing a traditionally dressed Maasai warrior in all his regalia, drinking a bottle of soda, usually with a mobile phone hanging on his belt.
Street foods are popular in and around the markets, which are found all over the country. The more popular street foods are:
- Mishkaki (small skewered meat pieces BBQ’d on an open fire);
- Mahindi Choma: Corn on the cob charred on the open fire still in their husks;
- Samosas, a dish showing India’s influence on the country, samosas are small triangular deep fried parcels with spicy meat or vegetables inside;
- And of course hot chips, usually covered in glowing laden sauces like chili and tomato sauce, and whatever herb may be available at the time.
Plantain crisps, made from the plantain banana, are sold all over Kenya; in supermarkets and on street markets as is “chevdo” (also known as Bombay mix) which is made up of deep fried flour noodles, peanuts, spices, chickpeas and lentils served cold, delicious.
For natural sweets Kenyan’s enjoy “mabuyu”, which is the seed of the Baobab coated in red sugar syrup - again delicious and worth a try, you can buy them in virtually any market in East Africa.
Lunch and Dinner
The main staples of Kenyan food and cuisine are: Maize meal (called Ugali when cooked and unga when raw) and rice. Ugali is usually served as a white stiff porridge, good for dipping in stews or making into a makeshift spoon when you eat with your hands. Rice can be served in so many different ways, but usually it is plain boiled rice.
On special occasions, like weddings and feasts, the rice is transformed into a wonderful fragrant mound of colourful hues infused by the spices added like saffron, turmeric and cayenne plus nuts and dried fruits, it is a celebration of food, known as pilau rice (influenced by Indian cuisine probably dating back to when the Portuguese invaded with the aid of the Goans).
Stews are mainly served for lunch and dinner, they can either be vegetarian like maharagwe (a tasty bean dish with onions, tomatoes and spices all boiled together, making a thick bean sauce) or a meat stew, normally goat.
Served with the ugali and stew is a vegetable dish made from kale, onions and tomatoes called skuma wiki (which literally translated means ‘stretch the week’). Kale, like many vegetables, grows all over Kenya and is found in most gardens. Another vegetable side dish that is popular is kachumbari, which is basically a tomato, chili and onion spicy salsa, good for waking up your taste buds.
As a treat, the stews are sometimes served with chapatis, which is an Indian flatbread, the dough is freshly prepared and then rolled very flat before being shallow fried in plenty of oil, served warm, they are soft and pliable but have a lovely crisp edge, they are great for mopping up the juices of the stew.
Then of course there is “nyama choma” - which translates as burned meat! But is a flavoursome Swahili barbeque. The meat is usually beef or goat and occasionally chicken.
Kenya grows some amazing tasting fruits, plump mangoes, oranges, tree tomatoes, bananas, plums, grapes and passion fruit to name but a few. So for dessert, fresh fruit is often the main choice.
Kenyan’s are known to be partial to a biscuit to two and make some great macaroons known as biskuti ya nazi (coconut macaroon biscuits) Hopefully this has whet your appetite to go there and try some Kenyan food for yourself.
History
Historical records not only from the travels of Johann Ludwig Krapf and Johannes Rebmann reveal that Kenyans had access to education as far back as 1728 with a Swahili manuscript Utendi wa Tambuka (Book of Heraclius) attesting to the fact. The CMS missionaries interacted with locals in the coastal town of Mombasa and set up one of the earliest mission schools in the country at Rabai in 1846. Before independence elementary education was based on the colonial system of education. In 1967, Kenya, with Uganda and Tanzania, formed the East African Community. The three countries adopted a single system of education, the 7-4-2-3, which consisted of 7 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary education, 2 years of high school and 3–5 years of university education.
With the collapse of the East African community in 1977, Kenya continued with the same system of education until 1985 when the 8-4-4 system was introduced, which adopted 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary education and 4 years of university education.
Before joining primary school, children aged between three and six are required to attend pre-primary for one or two years.
Primary education is universal, free and compulsory and usually caters for children ages 6 to 14. A major goal of primary school education is to develop self-expression, self-discipline and self-reliance, while at the same time providing a rounded education experience.
Secondary education begins around the age of fourteen and lasts for four years. Secondary school education especially in public school is subsidized by the government, with the government paying tuition fee for students attending public secondary school.
The roots of higher education in Kenya date only from 1956 with the founding of Nairobi’s Royal Technical College, a school that would in 1970 become the country’s first university – The University of Nairobi.
Today the story has considerably more depth. Kenya has:
- 52 public, private and constituent university college institutions.
- A total student population of 251,000, up from 81,000 in 2003.
- A one-year increase of 20% in newly enrolled students for the 2012-13 academic session.
- 79,000 students in 40 technical and vocational institutions, up from 34,000 in 2003.
- The top universities in East Africa in the area of ICT (Information and Communication Technology), according to a CPS International survey.
Recent legislative changes to university education
In September Margaret Kamar, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, signed The Universities Bill 2012, which seek to introduce radical changes to higher education such as:
- Abolishing the decades-old Commission for Higher Education (CHE), which has hitherto regulated the sector, and replacing it with the Commission for University Education (CUE).
- The CUE would advise government on university education policy, undertake accreditation inspections, monitor and evaluate the state of university education and ensure compliance with set standards.
- Additional new bodies running the educator sector would include the Universities Funding Board, to coordinate financing of universities; the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, to handle admissions to public universities and colleges; and the Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Funding Board, to handle funding of the TVET sector – a role previously left in the hands of individual, middle-level colleges.
In January 2013, the bill was signed into law, bringing public universities, which were previously governed by specific acts of parliament, under the same law as private institutions.
Kenyan authorities, in partnership with the EAC (East African Community), are also promoting more student mobility. To that end, in November 2012, education ministers from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda met in the Rwandan capital Kigali, and after three years of negotiations, approved the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Bill 2012.
Public Universities
Following the enactment of the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, these institutions individual Acts were repealed. This signified their award of Charters on 1st March 2013:
- University of Nairobi (UoN) - 2013
- Moi University (MU) - 2013
- Kenyatta University (KU) - 2013
- Egerton University (EU) - 2013
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) 2013
- Maseno University (MSU) - 2013
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) - 2013
University Constituent Colleges were previously established by Legal Orders under their respective mother University Acts. This was replaced after the institutions met the set accreditation standards and guidelines set by the Commission which culminated to their Charter award to be fully-fledged public universities. These institutions are:
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKUT) - 2012
- Chuka University (CU) – 2013
- Technical University of Kenya (TUK) - 2013
- Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) - 2013
- Pwani University (PU) - 2013
- Kisii University (EU) - 2013
- University of Eldoret - 2013
- Maasai Mara University - 2013
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology - 2013
- Laikipia University - 2013
- South Eastern Kenya University – 2013
- Meru University of Science and Technology – 2013
- Multimedia University of Kenya - 2013
- University of Kabianga - 2013
- Karatina University – 2013
Public University Constituent Colleges
These were established by a Legal Order under the then Act of the University shown in bracket against each, after requisite verification of academic resources by the Commission for University Education. These are:
- Murang’a University College (JKUAT) - 2011
- Machakos University College (UoN) - 2011
- The Kenya Cooperative University College (JKUAT) - 2011
- Embu University College (UoN) - 2011
- Kirinyaga University College (KU) - 2011
- Rongo University College (MU) - 2011
- Kibabii University College (MMUST) - 2011
- Garissa University College (EU) - 2011
- Taita Taveta University College (JKUAT) - 2011
Public University Campuses
- Kenya Science University Campus (UoN)
- Kitui University Campus (KU)
- Ruiru Campus (KU)
Chartered Private Universities
These are universities that have been fully accredited:
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton - 1991
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa - 1992
- Scott Theological College - 1992
- Daystar University - 1994
- United States International University - 1999
- Africa Nazarene University - 2002
- Kenya Methodist University - 2006
- St. Paul’s University - 2007
- Pan Africa Christian University - 2008
- Strathmore University - 2008
- Kabarak University - 2008
- Mount Kenya University - 2011
- Africa International University - 2011
- Kenya Highlands Evangelical University - 2011
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) - 2012
- KCA University, 2013
- Adventist University of Africa, 2013
Private University Colleges
Catholic University of Eastern Africa has the following constituent Colleges:
- Hekima University College (CUEA)
- Tangaza University College (CUEA)
- Marist International University College (CUEA)
- Regina Pacis University College (CUEA)
- Uzima University College (CUEA)
Universities with Letter of Interim Authority (LIA)
The following universities are operating with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA), while receiving guidance and direction from the Commission for University Education in order to prepare them for the award of Charter:
- Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology - 2002
- Aga Khan University - 2002
- Gretsa University - 2006
- KCA University of East Africa - 2007
- Presbyterian University of East Africa - 2008
- Adventist University - 2009
- Inoorero University - 2009
- The East African University - 2009
- GENCO University - 2010
- Management University of Africa - 2011
- Riara University - 2012
- Pioneer International University - 2012
Registered Private Universities
- Nairobi International School of Theology
- East Africa School of Theology
Approximately 70% of Kenyans are Christians ( 38% Protestant, 28% Catholic); about 25% are adherents of indigenous religions; 6% are Muslim. Among the Asian community there are Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, and Bahais.
Indigenous Beliefs
Although traditional beliefs and practices vary in detail among Kenya's ethnic groups, they share many general characteristics. Almost all involve belief in an eternal, omnipotent creator envisaged as remote from men. The Kikuyu's god is named "Murungu" or (more frequently) "Ngai", a loan-word from Masai. Ngai cannot be seen, but is manifested in the sun, moon, thunder and lighting, stars, rain, the rainbow and in the great fig trees that serve as places of worship and sacrifice. Many indigenous religions also recognize spiritual forces at work in the world that are closer to the living and more involved in their daily affairs. If men and women please the spirits, success is assured; if they incur the spirits' anger, illness or evil may occur. For many indigenous believers, ghosts form a distinct category of ancestral spirits are thought to return to seek revenge on the living. Beliefs in sorcery and witchcraft play important roles in many indigenous belief systems and often persist after conversion to Christianity or Islam even when other elements of traditional religions have faded.
Christianity
Christian missionary activity began in Kenya's hinterland when its interior was opened to rail travel between Mombasa and Uganda at the end of the nineteenth century. Churches were founded in the 1920s and 1930s, especially in areas where Kikuyu, Luo, and Luhya predominated, some of which sought to combine Christian and indigenous beliefs. Most churches tended to be ethnically homogenous since colonial authorities maintained a policy of allocating a mission to a particular territory, though this tendency has changed with increasing communication and mobility.
In Kenya there are also several independent Christian churches that have broken ties with other Christian or Protestant denominations. The largest of these independent churches was the Nomiya Luo Church, whose founder, Johana Owalo, was an early convert to Christianity in 1900. In 1907 he had a vision in which he was taken up into heaven by the angel Gabriel. He saw that Europeans and Asians, and even the popes,were not allowed to enter heaven. Later, he converted to Islam and began to preach that mission churches were in opposition to traditional beliefs. His mix of Christian, Anglican, and traditional practices attracted many followers. In Kenya today there are still many mission churches. Many worldwide religious groups have a strong presence. The number of Kenyan clergy has grown in the past years and most of the Roman Catholic and Church Province of Kenya hierarchies are Kenyan.
Islam
Over half of Kenya's Muslim minority are of Somali origin. The remainder is largely made up of Galla-speaking peoples and the Swahili-speaking community on the coast, which has maintained uninterrupted contact with Muslims from the Arabian peninsula since the fourteenth century. Most Bajun are Muslims, as are some members of the Mijikenda and Pokomo groups.
Kenya is a tapestry of vibrant cultures and exhilarating sports, a place where tradition meets adventure against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. The soul of our nation pulses through Kiswahili, a language that unites over 40 diverse ethnic groups. Immerse yourself in its melodic rhythms at Kiswahili.net, and step into the halls of the National Museums of Kenya to journey through time, where ancient artifacts and contemporary art pieces narrate the rich history and dynamic spirit of our people.
Feel the electrifying energy of Kenya's sports scene, where champions are forged and legends are born. The High Altitude Training Centre in Iten is the cradle of long-distance running, producing athletes who consistently conquer global marathons. Under the guidance of Athletics Kenya, these stars shine on the world stage, embodying the endurance and determination that Kenya is celebrated for.
The thrill extends beyond the track. The roar of the crowd at a rugby match is infectious, with the Kenya Rugby Football Union driving the sport's popularity to new heights. Golfers find their paradise here too—thanks to the Kenya Golf Union and Tobs Kenya Golf Safaris, enthusiasts tee off on some of the most picturesque courses imaginable. For motorsport aficionados, the East African Safari Classic rally offers a heart-pounding adventure across rugged terrains, a true test of skill and endurance.
Kenya's commitment to conservation and community shines in events like the Rhino Charge, hosted by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This grueling off-road challenge isn't just about the adrenaline—it's a mission to protect our precious ecosystems. The Nairobi Marathon brings together thousands in a vibrant celebration of health, unity, and the unbreakable Kenyan spirit. In every corner of our nation, from the savannas to the cities, culture and sport intertwine to create an experience that's as enriching as it is exhilarating. Welcome to Kenya—a land of endless possibilities and unforgettable moments.
CULTURE
SPORTS