| While Kenya culture has evolved to encompass | | | | ceremonies such as weddings and initiations. The |
| Western, Asian and Arab influences, it still retains a | | | | nature of Kenyan music and dance also varies from |
| distinctly African identity. Examples of the dominant | | | | region to region. |
| forms of language, dress, food, music and dance | | | | The Luhya's music is fast-paced and integrates |
| illustrate this point well. | | | | different beats concurrently. The Luo dance is more |
| Languages in Kenya | | | | measured with the dancers following the rhythm of |
| Although well over 40 dialects are spoken in Kenya, | | | | the nyatiti, a traditional lyre. |
| the languages that enjoy national appeal are English | | | | Along the Kenya coast, Taarab, which betrays Arab |
| and particularly Swahili. So, even though the local | | | | and Indian influences, is popular. It is sung by women |
| languages are spoken widely in their respective tribal | | | | who slowly and elegantly gyrate from side to side |
| areas, it is a good idea for the visitor to the | | | | with a belly dance. They are often accompanied by |
| countryside to learn a few phrases in Swahili. | | | | an Arab drum and beat. |
| Typical Dress | | | | The Masai dances performed by men culminate in a |
| While educated and affluent Kenyans have adopted | | | | jumping contest with the higher one is able to jump, |
| the Western style of dressing of business suits, | | | | the better he is. Costumes and props such as masks, |
| jeans and t-shirts, many communities have remained | | | | shields and spears are vital aspects of most of the |
| true to their traditional gear. | | | | dances. |
| The world-famous Masai and Samburu continue to | | | | Kenyans are famous for their passion for song and |
| dress in brightly checked sheet wraps (called shukas) | | | | dance. A popular music genre called benga, which |
| and lots of earrings, necklaces, armlets and bungles. | | | | fuses Kenyan and Western influences, is popular in |
| The Ogiek, a hunter-gatherer community whose | | | | nightclubs around the country. |
| ancestral home is the Mau Forest, dress primarily in | | | | Time Flies By... |
| hyrax skin. That said, unlike other countries such as | | | | Because Kenyans move at their pace, timekeeping |
| Nigeria and Rwanda, Kenya does not have a national | | | | isn't one of the Kenyans' virtues. So there is nothing |
| dress and several attempts to come up with one | | | | untoward about being an hour or 2 late for an |
| have proved unsuccessful. Traditional wear in Kenya | | | | appointment. And, handshaking is an indispensable |
| therefore varies from tribe to tribe. | | | | part of greeting. |
| Kenya Food | | | | Where to Experience Kenya Culture |
| In the food arena, many rural Kenyans continue to | | | | While in Kenya, there are several good places to |
| eat the food that their ancestors did. The Luo relish | | | | experience Kenya culture. Through the traditional |
| their fish and millet, the Kikuyu their irio (Irish | | | | homesteads, music and crafts that are showcased, |
| potatoes, peas, maize and greens mashed together) | | | | the Bomas of Kenya gives you a good glimpse into |
| and the Masai's diet consists of meat, blood and milk. | | | | the culture of Kenya. |
| Admittedly, Pilau rice, chapatti and samosas which are | | | | The National Theater is also an excellent place to |
| borrowed from Asia, are delicacies at the coast. In | | | | watch performances of music, dance and plays from |
| addition, chips and deep fried chicken are served at | | | | the different regions of the country. |
| many eateries around the country. However, these | | | | Museums, such as those in Nairobi, Mombasa and |
| are not quite as popular as ugali and nyama choma. | | | | Kisumu are great for observing how Kenya culture |
| So if Kenya has a national food at all, it has to be | | | | has evolved over time. The biggest and most |
| these 2. | | | | exciting of of these is the Nairobi National Museum |
| Ugali is a maize (corn) flour cake that is baked over | | | | located on Museum Hill in Nairobi. |
| an open flame while nyama choma is barbecued | | | | However, the traditional villages dotted all over the |
| meat, typically goat, beef or lamb. This is often eaten | | | | country are the best places to experience authentic, |
| with kachumbari, a spiced tomato, onion and chilly | | | | unedited aspects of Kenya culture. There are several |
| relish. | | | | of these near the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, |
| Dance and Music | | | | Lake Victoria, Mombasa and Lamu and that can be |
| Music and dance are important components of Kenya | | | | visited during a safari to these popular tourist |
| culture and are mostly performed at important | | | | destinations. |