Kenya

Country Profile

Situated in Eastern Africa, the Republic of Kenya is a country of remarkable diversity, strategic importance, and vibrant growth. It presently has a population of approximately 54.9 million people, according to statistics from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics. 2024 UN estimates.

Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, sits in the south-central part of the country and serves as a major regional, political, economic, and cultural hub in Africa.

The national language of the Republic is Kiswahili while the official languages are Kiswahili and English.

The State promotes and protects the diversity of language of the people of Kenya; and promotes the development and use of indigenous languages, Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other communication formats and technologies accessible to persons with disabilities.

Geography and Borders

Kenya is strategically positioned in the heart of East Africa, bordered by It is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, the Indian Ocean is located to the southeast.

The country’s geographical diversity has led to Kenya being home to a variety of natural wonders, including the Great Rift Valley, towering Mount Kenya, and lush, fertile highlands in the central region.

Kenya’s strategic position on the Indian Ocean offers it a unique advantage as a key maritime gateway to East and Central Africa. The country’s location has made it a crucial hub for trade and investment, connecting Africa with global shipping routes and markets in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Economy

Kenya embarked on a comprehensive programme of economic reforms designed to deregulate the economy and put it on the path of rapid employment generating growth. Sustained effort by the government to tighten fiscal and monetary policies since mid-1993 has been effective in stabilizing the economy and contributing to the revival of economic growth. Annual inflation has been contained to a single digit. Tight control on the budget has been accompanied by tax reforms aimed at reducing the tax rates and broadening the tax base.

On structural reforms, the government has since mid-1993 made significant strides. It has eliminated exchange controls including restrictions on inward portfolio investments and removed all trade restrictions, except for a short list of a few products controlled for health, security and environmental reasons.

Stable macro-economic conditions, liberalized markets, and more operations of the strategic public enterprises are expected to enhance the level and the efficiency of private investment, and result in increased income and job creation.

The government is supporting the Private Sector and especially export-oriented industrialization with a longer-term objective of achieving the status of a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) by the year 2020.

Tourism

Kenya is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. From the majestic Mount Kenya and the expansive Great Rift Valley to the pristine white-sand beaches along the Indian Ocean, the country offers a wide array of experiences for visitors. The country is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) found in national parks and game reserves.

Kenya’s warm climate is favourable for tourism with different regions offering a different feel. The diverse geography also supports an impressive range of flora and fauna, making Kenya one of the world’s top destinations for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.

Cultural Diversity

Kenya is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-racial country where diverse groups coexist peacefully. With more than 40 ethnic groups, the nation’s rich cultural mosaic is celebrated through vibrant music, art, festivals, and traditions forming an essential part of Kenyan life, while Nairobi’s urban culture pulses with contemporary art, film, and fashion.