Kenya Paper

05/01

 Preface

I don't like to write, and I never have. You have known me for a long time now, and I would think that you might have gotten that by now; therefore, I have been procrastinating doing this paper for a long time now (seeing as I am the procrastinating queen J ). Now that the paper is about three weeks late, I guess I will hand it in. I hope you can use some of the facts for etiquette in Kenya when you and Patrick go there on your honeymoon, and I still think I should go in your suitcase, I wouldn’t even see you, just on the days you go to the airport J . See, I am even procrastinating writing the paper, by writing this preface.

Kenya, even the name Kenya invites the imagination to run wild. When I think of Kenya, I think of wild safaris with exotic animals, beautiful county-sides with green rolling hills, and heat…lots of it. This is all true to Kenya, but there is much more to this exotic country than what television has portrayed.

Demographics

Kenya is technically about the size of the state of Texas, though much different from this state full of rednecks (I can say that seeing as I once lived there for a period of time, and am known as the 'Yankee Girl' with my surrogate family there). The country is situated on the equator and broken into three to four climatic regions (as you should already know from a previous email…though this was all stated in the email, I will restate it for the paper).

The first climatic region is the northern plains. These plains are hot and arid, causing the people that live there to be nomadic to take advantage of the seasonal patterns. Next, is the southeastern coastal range. This region has a tropical climate causing it to be extremely hot and humid almost year round. Finally, in the western highlands, bisected by the Rift Valley, have a moderate climate ideal for agriculture and wild animals. Since this is what you are going to Kenya to see, it would be advised to go to the western highlands, near Lake Victoria, to see the animals. Kenya also has a high mountain (17, 058 ft.) in the center if the country called Mount Kenya (what an original name).

Kenya has two rainy seasons, the 'long rains,' from April to June, followed by the 'short rains,' from October to November. Since, you will be traveling in July, you will be safe from the rainy season and get to see all the wild animals.

Though most of the population in Kenya is African, about 99%, the country is broken up into forty-seven different ethnic groups. The largest of these groups are the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii, and Meru. These tribes make up for 84% of Kenya's population. Unlike many countries, most of Kenya's populations reside in rural areas in the southern two-thirds of the country. The major cities and urban areas, including the capital Nairobi, account for less than twenty-five percent of the total population.

The two national languages of Kenya are English and Kiswahili (Swahili as known to most of the world). English is primarily used in the business, education, and government environments. At home either Kiswahili or other local Bantu languages are used, depending on the native tribe and geographic location. Kiswahili is similar to most of the Bantu-based languages, and encouraged by the government to promote economical and cultural unity throughout the country.

Similar to other converted African countries, the majority (75%) of Kenyans are Christian with only a small percent of Muslims and only 10% believing in native beliefs and traditions, also known as indigenous beliefs. (As an aside, I don't like the word indigenous, it almost sounds negative to me, that these people once had their own beliefs about the universe.)

The People and Customs

Traditionally, Kenyans are a proud lot. They take great pride in their country and in their family and then their tribe. In their societies, the family is their most important priority and then the tribe. They should maintain close ties to their extended family, and when they do not, it is considered rebellious behavior. (Someone should tell my sister about this!!!) In actuality, even the wealthier relatives should, under ideal circumstances, help out the less fortunate family member. Signs of wealth and societal status include ownership of land, cattle, sheep, and goats. (Can you imagine wealthy Americans having goats all over their yard to show their wealth? Hey… they would be interesting lawn mowers.)

Kenyans believe strongly in the preservation of wildlife and in their coexistence with animals. About thirty percent of their wildlife lives on millions of acres of national reserves. The people actually believed for a long period of time that the rains, which brought their crops, would stop if they killed the animals unnecessarily.

On average, Kenyans tend to dress conservatively and modestly. Sleeveless dresses and blouses are considered immodest; therefore tank tops, mini-skirts, short-shorts, and crop shirts are a no-no. Young American girls just might have a problem not being able to show off all the skin they usually get away with. They do wear some western-style clothing with African variations.

Only children, elderly men, and tourists wear shorts (so if you want to stand out as a tourist all you have to do is wear shorts). The women usually wear dresses with a kanga (long, colorful, cotton cloth) as a skirt to cover their cloths or as a shield from the rain and wind. In urban areas it is more accepted for women to wear pants, but still no shorts. Mothers use kangas to carry children on their back (sort of like a papoose in the American Indian tradition). And still, some of the smaller African tribes maintain their traditional dress standards.

Each of the ethnic groups has their own unique greetings for different ages and situations. On average, a handshake is the most common and important greeting throughout the country. This is done by supporting the right forearm with the left hand while shaking. This shows special respect for a leader or elder. Young children would greet an elder with a slight bow, while the elder would respond with an open palm on the child's head.

Kenyans are known to be friendly and greet friends and visitors warmly and politely. They often ask about one's welfare and family. Some traditional Kiswahili greetings are:

Jambo! (Greetings!)

Habari gani? (What is the news?)

Or Habari?

The usual responses are:

Mzuri (Good)

Salama (Peaceful)

When departing:

Tutaonana (We will see each other)

Lala salama (Sleep peacefully)

Though these are Kiswahili greetings, traditional English greetings are also appropriate since most of the population speaks their native tongue as well as English.

When visiting a Kenyan family or friend, gifts are often presented in a kiondo (a Kikuyu word for a woven bag). The host will return the bag at the end of the visit with gifts for the visitor, since it is impolite to return the bag empty. Hosts are hardly ever tell guests to leave, as it is impolite, and they nearly always serve tea during a visitation. Afternoon tea is a daily custom throughout the country. Suggested gifts would be flowers or tea leaves to the host. When leaving, it is considered impolite to say good-bye at the door; therefore, hosts will commonly walk for some distance with the guest before returning home.

When having dinner with a Kenyan family, the guests will usually socialize with the host while final preparations are being made. During the dinner, depending on tradition, they will either eat with the right hand or with utensils. The knife would be held in the right hand and a spoon in the left. Everyone washes their hands before and after dinner, usually with a bowl located in the center of the table. Tradition and ethnic groups play a large role in dining etiquette. More often than not, children are not allowed to eat with the elders and men are served first at the dinner table. Among the Samburu tribe, warriors actually avoid eating in the presence of women all altogether.

Gestures

When giving or receiving an item, it is either done with the right hand or both hands. The use of the left hand alone is considered improper.

The verbal sound 'tch-tch' or 'tss-tss' expresses displeasure with something.

Pointing at an individual with the index finger is considered rude.

To beckon someone they wave all the fingers of the hand.

They often point by extending the lower lip or nodding the head in the intended direction.

Both thumbs of the hands extended up show approval with something.

It is considered improper to take someone's picture without approval in most instances.

Public displays of affection are considered not acceptable almost everywhere in the country, except more and more in Nairobi. This would include holding hands, kissing, and everything else associated with PDA's.

Similar to Americans, eye contact is very important. People are more willing to trust someone who will look them in the eye.

Other Facts

Sports:

Common meals:

Meat: goat, beef, lamb, chicken, and fish

Fruits: pineapples, mangoes, oranges, bananas, plantains, and papaya.

Average marriage age: early 20's

National Parks: