Kenya Culture is an Electric Blend of African, Arab and Western Influences

Obviously, Kenya culture is largely a collection of the customs of the 40-odd Kenya tribes. But while African customary practices dominate the cultural landscape, Western, Arab and Asian influences have also stamped their indelible mark on the culture of Kenya.

So it is not usual to find Kenyans wearing jeans, t-shirts and sneakers enjoying the Asian food of pilau, chapati and samosas just as much as they do their staple dishes of ugali, sukuma wiki and nyama choma.

National Languages

English and Swahili are widely spoken in Kenya.

These languages lend a semblance of unity to a country where well over 40 local languages are spoken.

However, neither language may be spoken in some remote corners of the country where local vernaculars reign supreme.

Pidgin Swahili referred to as "sheng" abounds and is popular with the youth. So, rather than "habari," you will hear "sasa" being used as a greeting with the expected reply being "poa" or "fit."

National Customs

National customs are also an important part of Kenya culture. A handshake is an indispensable part of the elaborate greeting session that will often include inquiring about your welfare as well as that of your spouse, children and even livestock.

Avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of reverence rather than dubiousness and although time-keeping certainly isn't one of the Kenyan virtues, queuing - at bus stands, post offices and banks is.

Sexuality and Gender Relations

Nudity is a no-no in the country and although women are encouraged to cover up, many communities frown upon women wearing trousers. Women are generally considered to be subservient human beings and carry a disproportionate burden of household chores.

Bride price, which takes the form of cattle, goats, camels and money, is still an important aspect of marriage in virtually all the communities in the country.

Homosexuality is generally disapproved of as unAfrican although it is tolerated at the Coast particularly in Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu.

National Dress?

Unlike Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria, Kenya does not have a national dress.Recent attempts to fashion one were sponsored by Unilever Kenya...

Although the winning outfits were unveiled with much pomp and ceremony in 2006, they really have not been embraced by Kenyans.

A few Kenyans therefore wear their tribal gear consisting of sheets and animal skins.

However, most Kenyans have adopted West African wear as their traditional dress particularly the embroidered kitenge and many wear these on special occasions such as weddings.

The khanga (also called a lesso), is lightweight cotton sheet printed with pictures and Swahili proverbs is also widely worn in the country.

It is worn by women to public places at the coast although in other parts of the country, it is used as an apron at home. Lessos printed with a beaming US President Barack Obama is currently very popular.

Tribal Identities

Discrete tribal cultures are a key component of Kenya culture. These exist parallel to the nationally-observed customs and are a reflection of the fact that Kenyans are strongly affiliated to their tribal identities.

The Kenya tribes have distinct languages, food, dress, dancing and customs that contribute to the national cultural mosaic.

Kenya Culture: Food

If ever there was a national dish, it would have to be ugali as this is the most commonly eaten Kenya food.

It is a maize bread baked in a pan over an open flame. It is often eaten with kale, a green vegetable of the cabbage family locally referred to as sukuma wiki.

Barbequed meat (usually goat, beef or mutton) called nyama choma - or kuku choma where chicken is roasted - is also a national favorite and is often eaten with kachumbari, a chilly tomato, onion, green pepper and coriander relish.

Tribal Customs

Each of these Kenya tribes has it own unique customs for example; male circumcision is practiced by many communities such as the Masai people, Samburu people, Kikuyu, Luhya and Kiisi but was, until recently, despised by the Luo.

Bull-fighting is a favorite pastime among the Luhya of western Kenya and the community has its own matadors.

Regressive customary practices that persist are female genital mutilation, early marriage and widow inheritance.

Where to Experience Kenya Culture

The Bomas of Kenya in Langata will give you a good feel of the culture of Kenya. Here, different aspects of the local culture such as traditional villages, crafts, music and dancing are exhibited.

In addition, the National Theater gives you a glimpse of the country's culture through the eyes of the various performing artists.

Each of the major tribes also organizes an annual cultural night in the city (mostly at the Carnivore Restaurant) where they showcase their food, music and dancing.

Museums are another excellent place to experience Kenya culture. Be sure to check out the recently revamped Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus, Kisumu Museum and a host of other museums for tribal artifacts in order to learn how Kenya culture has evolved through the ages.

But to experience the undiluted aspects of local culture first hand, be sure to visit traditional villages in the countryside. You can get up, close and personal with the mesmerizing Masai people during visits to Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.

You can also interact with the fascinating Samburu people while on a safari to the Samburu National Reserve. African villages can also be visited in Mombasa and Lamu.

Books

Culture and Customs of Kenya

Culture and Customs of Kenya discusses Kenyan beliefs, social structures, cultural expressions and lifestyles. The book is enhanced by various photos, a chronology and a glossary.

Kenya - Culture Smart! A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Kenya - Culture Smart! provides concise information on attitudes, cultures, beliefs and behavior in Kenya. It will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes and feel confident in unfamiliar situations leading to a fruitful visit to Kenya.

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