LEARN ABOUT KENYA

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1. Size of Kenya (in Square Kilometers)


Kenya covers approximately 580,367 square kilometers, making it the 48th largest country in the world. Out of this, about 569,140 sq. km is land, and the rest is water bodies.


2. Land Features


Kenya's geography is diverse and includes the following main features:


Great Rift Valley: Runs north to south through the country, forming escarpments and highland areas.


Mountains and Highlands: Includes Mount Kenya (5,199 m), Africa’s second-highest mountain, and the Central Highlands.


Savannahs and Grasslands: Spread across regions like the Maasai Mara.


Deserts and Semi-arid Areas: Found in the north and northeastern parts (e.g., Turkana, Marsabit).


Coastal Areas: Stretch along the Indian Ocean with coral reefs and beaches (e.g., Mombasa, Lamu).


Lakes: Includes Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, and Lake Naivash


3. Independence


Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963, and became a republic on December 12, 1964.


4. Administrative Divisions (Regions)


Kenya is divided into 47 counties, established under the 2010 Constitution. Previously, Kenya was divided into 8 provinces, which have been replaced by the county system for local governance and decentralization.


5. Tribes and Their Locations


Kenya has over 40 ethnic groups (tribes), broadly classified into three main linguistic groups: Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic. Examples include:


Each group has its own language, cultural practices, and traditional livelihoods


6. Farming Activities


Agriculture is a key sector in Kenya, employing over 70% of the rural population. Activities include:


Crop Farming:


Cash Crops: Tea (especially in Kericho), coffee, horticultural products (flowers, vegetables), sugarcane.


Food Crops: Maize, beans, potatoes, bananas, sorghum, millet.


Rice: Grown in areas like Mwea.



Livestock Farming:


Cattle, sheep, goats (especially among pastoralist communities like Maasai, Turkana, and Samburu).


Dairy farming is prevalent in the highlands (e.g., Central and Rift Valley regions).



Fishing:


Mainly in Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, and coastal waters.



Agroforestry:


Practiced especially in highland areas and parts of Western Kenya.


     GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION 

The government administration of Kenya is divided into three main parts, also referred to as the three arms of government.


1. The Executive


Headed by: The President


Includes: The Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and the entire civil service.


Role: Implements laws and manages the day-to-day affairs of the country.


Key institutions: Presidency, Government Ministries, and various state departments and agencies.


2. The Legislature


Headed by: The Parliament of Kenya


Composed of:


The National Assembly


The Senate



Role: Makes laws, approves the budget, and provides oversight to the Executive.


3. The Judiciary


Headed by: The Chief Justice


Includes: The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Magistrates' Courts, and other tribunals.


Role: Interprets the law and administers justice independently.


In addition to these, Kenya's devolved system of government (introduced by the 2010 Constitution) created:


4. County Governments


47 counties, each with its own Governor, County Assembly, and County Executive Committee.


Role: Manage local governance and development issues at the county level.


There are three arms of the national government (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary),


And one devolved level: the County Government system




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