My Travel Diaries of
Kenya
Summary
Currency: Kenya Shilling
Capital: Nairobi
Drink like a local: Bier
Special facts:
- According to current research, Kenya is considered the cradle of humanity because the oldest human remains come from here.
- The name of the country comes from the 5199 meter high Mount Kenya, whose name probably comes from the Kikuyu and means something like “God’s resting place”.
- There are about 40 different tribes in Kenya and even more than 60 different tribal dialects.
Language
Swahili is one of the main languages in Kenya. The language is also legally recognized as an official language of the country. English is the other language that is legally recognized as an official language in Kenya. English was introduced to the country after Kenya became a British colony in the 19th century. English is the main language used in formal conversations in the country and is also the language used in drafting legal documents and in court proceedings. Kikuyu is one of the main regional languages of the country.
The language is the native language of the Agikuyu ethnic group who live in the central region of the country. There are an estimated 7 million Kikuyu speakers in Kenya, who make up 22% of the country’s population. Luhya is another important regional language in Kenya. The Luhya language originates from the Luhya ethnic group, whose members live predominantly in the west of the country. The total number of Luhya speakers in Kenya is estimated at 1.2 million people.
- Hello – jambo, mambo
- Hello (back)- poa
- How are you? – habari
- I’m fine – misuri
- Welcome – karibu
- Thanks- asante
- Cheers- maí shamarif
- Friend – rafiki
- Good night – usiku mwema
- Don’t worry – hakuna matata
- Slow slow – pole pole
- Chicken and rice – kuku wali
- Arsehole – kumbavu
- Go away – kwenda oko
Food
The vegetables and fruits in the markets in Kenya are bursting with splendor. I am surprised at how diverse and spicy East African cuisine is. With influences from the Arab and Indian regions, the food here has developed its own flavor.
My lesson:
Although Kenya is considered a tourist country, being a tourist is seen as something special
Travel Diaries
I thought Kenya would be more modern than its neighbours. This expectation was fulfilled, at least in Nairobi. The city resembles a modern western city, but the heritage is evident everywhere.
The Maasai also sell their goods here. And it is not uncommon to come across lions, hyenas or other animals on the streets at night, walking into the city from the nearby Nairobi National Park.
