Importance Of Culture In Kenya

Culture of Kenya

Mahatma Gandhi said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” While this may not be a direct definition out of Merriam Webster, it is a close description of the word culture. Many factors determine and form a society. By society, I mean a group of people who share similar traits. Culture is the language, religion, traditions, everyday lives, and more of a nation.

There are similarities with most cultures. Even though societies may be separated by geography; there are common qualities we all share. Cultures are comprised of: religion, traditions, laws, economy, and values. Most nations have these characteristics. They just vary from country to country. Kenya is no exception and is rich

While most people value items and have a hard time deciphering between needs and wants, Kenyans are happy to have a place to live. They value water, food, family, traditions, and their beliefs. We are a pampered society here in America.

Kenya was and is a society rich in culture but it developed its culture from prosperous times and not so prosperous years. Kenya was not always an independent nation. In 1952 they were under the protection and rule of Britain. The years under British rule were not necessarily causing Kenya to flourish. The land was in strife and chaos reigned across Kenya. Sabotage, assassinations, and terrorist attacks were being deployed in the name of a secret organization, Mau Mau, suspected to be loyal to Jomo Kenyatta’s political group.

Mau Mau decides to make themselves well known and protest in a rather violent way, their objections to being under British rule. The group continues to cause mayhem in Kenya and the colonial government decries a state of emergency.

Jomo Kenyatta is charged with leading Mau Mau and is thrown in prison in London. His arrest does nothing to alleviate the terror in Kenya. His seven year imprisonment starts in March 1953 but Mau Mau continues to harass Kenya in his

He took Kenya from war to prosperity and the culture thrived.

Kenya is geographically in an interesting location. It is located on the eastern coast of Africa. The equator runs about midway through Kenya. Kenya shares borders with Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. It is also adjacent to the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s neighbors and link to the Ocean affect its culture quite a bit.

As you can imagine, being on the ocean accounts for some of Kenya’s natural resources. Agriculture is the second largest contributor to Kenya’s survival. Forestry and fishing account for about 24 percent of revenue for Kenya. Since weather is generally mild and warm farming also adds to Kenya’s income.

Kenya has most of its revenue tied up in exports and imports. A staggering 45 percent relies on trade with other entities. Trade is typically in coffee, tea, and other natural resources obtained by the natives of Kenya. Most of these families have been producing their goods for generations and probably will for generations to come. Their culture continues