KenyaCulture

Kenyan culture is a rich blend of traditional African tribal cultures, along with leftover Arabic, Portuguese and British influences. More recently, Hindu influences are also permeating Kenyan culture.

Nomads who roamed the land in search of cool feeding grounds for their goats and cattle bring colorful costumes and the vibrant rhythms of drums and percussion to the beat of modern African life. Arabic and Hindu nuances fill the Kenyan songs with stringed instruments and melodious melodies, while chants and dances echo the victories of the warriors and hunters who make their living from the land.

Kenyan food is a mix of African recipes like Irio and Ugali, tempting fruits like creamy bananas and sweet papayas, Indian samosas, and meat like coconut beef or chicken served with peanut soup in colorful gourds. Local dishes are rich in cereals and grains such as peas, millet, and cornmeal. Nairobi and Mombasa are good places to find excellent restaurants offering an excellent range of food styles influenced by both American and English cuisine as well as Indian cuisine and native African dishes. Have you ever tried grilled Zebra? Or savor succulent roast boar served with local beer (called muratina)?

Although the people of Kenya are predominantly Christian, representing both Roman Catholic and Protestant sects of Christianity, Kenyan culture is influenced by many religions and does not have a state religion as such. Many Kenyans practice Islam or Hinduism.

The tribes migrated to Kenya from the bordering countries of Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. The Kikuyu arrived with the Bantu tribes in the great migrations that took place years ago. Today, nomadic tribes like the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana find their old lives thrown on the rocks. It becomes more and more difficult to maintain a life by chasing water and good feeding places for their cattle in today’s modern Kenyan culture. But these noble tribes bring a heritage steeped in colorful fabrics, beaded jewelry and elegant rituals that continue to influence modern life and create the unique and varied melting pot of civilizations that make Kenya what it is today.