Kenya flag

Kenya

History

Swahili city-states such as Lamu and Mombasa traded across the Indian Ocean.
Britain declared the East Africa Protectorate.
The Uganda Railway reached Lake Victoria, founding Nairobi on the way.
The Mau Mau uprising was fought against colonial rule.
Independence came on 12 December, with Jomo Kenyatta as first leader.
A new constitution devolved power to 47 counties.
Africa thumbnailPart ofAfricaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalNairobi
Population53.3M
Area580k km2
CurrencyKenyan shilling

Short facts

RegionEast Africa
LanguageEnglish, Swahili
Time zoneEAT (UTC+3)
Drives onLeft

Worth seeing

  • Maasai Mara: The northern extension of the Serengeti, crossed by the annual wildebeest migration.
  • Mount Kenya: Africa's second-highest peak, with glaciers on the equator.
  • Lamu Old Town: A Swahili trading town of coral stone, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Find a city in Kenya

Showing all cities

Nairobi thumbnailNairobiCity

Planning questions

What is Kenya known for?Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, Lamu Old Town.
What is the capital?Nairobi.
Which language is useful?English, Swahili.
When is the national day?12 December.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Great Migration thumbnailGreat MigrationJul-Oct 2026 ยท Kenya

Use Nairobi as the first planning anchor for Kenya, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Street food thumbnailStreet foodSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Maasai MaraMount KenyaLamu Old TownNairobiStreet foodCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Africa thumbnailAfrican outdoorsParks, coasts, desert routes and seasonal nature calendars.