Kenya Culture
Kenya culture is a fascinating way of life that blends the traditions of thousands of years of African social evolution with the modern influences of the 20th century. The multifaceted culture of Kenya is expressed in different forms, ranging from its people and language, food, music and dance, art, artifacts, theatre and literature to its ethnic values and ethical norms. Combined with other traditions, these forms of expression and lifestyle form an identity that is uniquely Kenyan.
People & Language
The Kenyan population is comprised of more than 40 ethnic groups, each with its own unique dialect. As Kenya's national languages, Swahili and English bridge the communication gap and unite Kenyans as a single nation.
Kenya Food & Diet
The Kenyan diet is comprised of foods rich in ethnic diversity. Popular staple foods include ugali, rice, bread, chapatti (a type of Indian bread), beef, chicken, goat, tilapia and an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Nyama choma is regarded as Kenya's national dish. Nyama choma is a form of charcoal-grilled beef or goat meat, and is very popular in authentic Kenyan restaurants and pubs. In times of celebration and on special occasions such as Christmas and wedding ceremonies, it is customary for Kenyans to kill and roast a goat or cow.
The Kenyan diet also includes tea. In fact, in Kenya, anytime is tea time. When it comes to drinks, Kenya tea in the form of Chai (tea with milk and sugar) is the beverage of choice. It is served for breakfast, at mealtimes and also during Kenya's regular teatime. Clearly, Kenya culture embraces many different cultural influences: teatime is a custom borrowed from the British colonial past and the Chai style of cooking tea originated in India.
Another popular social drink, and one that also makes a good accompaniment for nyama choma, is Kenya's signature-brand beer - Tusker.
Kenya Art & Artifacts
Another fascinating aspect of Kenyan culture is the art and artifacts 
that Kenya's different ethnic groups craft manually, using readily available local materials. Beautifully carved wood sculptures showing exquisite detail and craftsmanship are produced in large quantities and sold to tourists both locally and abroad.
Other popular Kenya artifacts include colorful hand-woven sisal baskets, Maasai beaded jewelry, gold and silver jewelry, musical instruments, soapstone sculptures, tribal masks, figurines, paintings, prints, batik cloth, kangas and the beautiful traditional Kikoys (African sarongs).
Music & Dance
Traditional music and dance is an integral part of Kenyans' social and religious lives, and forms an important part of Kenya culture. In Kenya, harmonious beats and rhythm are central parts of dance, which is traditionally backed by drums and guitar instruments. One of the most popular Kenyan styles of music is benga, a traditional contemporary dance from the 1960s. Taarab music, another typical Kenyan entertainment, is inspired by Arab and Indian immigrants and is popular along the coast of Kenya.
Theatre & Literature
Kenya has a strong oral tradition. This is conveyed through stories which have been passed on from generation to generation, often in the form of songs. The Kenya National Theatre is a performing art center for cultural music, dance, and plays written by Kenyan authors. Original Kenyan literature is contemporarily inspired by the social frictions of the colonial times. Popular contemporary novelists include Ngugi wa Thiong'o, among others.
Cultural Values & Etiquette
Kenyans are a friendly and hospitable people, regardless of ethnic affiliation. Greetings are an important part of social and business interaction.
Kenyans also place great importance on family. Kenyan families are often large and usually include the extended family. Kenyans honor collective responsibilities and traditional values, which include treating the elderly with respect and reverence.
Kenya Sports
Kenya' most popular sport is soccer; however, it's Kenya's runners who have gained worldwide renown. Athletes from around the world look up to Kenya's legends- Kipchoge Keino, Henry Rono, Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba, among others.
Kenyan Recipes
Popular ethnic Kenyan foods you can cook at home
Discover ethnic foods and other foods found in Kenya
Kenya Safaris - different choices and possibilities for a safari in Kenya.
Find books about Kenya culture, including books by Kenyan authors, or about Kenya's culture, religion and more
Languages spoken in Kenya
Religions practiced in Kenya
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