The country of Kenya is one of Eastern Africa’s most beautiful areas. Beautiful in nature and rich in wildlife, its backdrop is the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenya safari holidays are growing in popularity with holidaymakers keen to experience this area’s diverse and fascinating wildlife for themselves. You can visit the beautiful animals on the Masai Mara including elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo and rhinos. Or also spend some time enjoying the spectacular scenery and wildlife by the stunning lakes and gorgeous tropical beaches with waters teeming with marine life.
Kenya lies on the borders of Somalia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan, on the edge of the Indian Ocean. This region was once used as a trading route by both Arabs and Europeans. Commercial posts were developed which attracted merchants from other areas such as Greece and Egypt. The Swahili language evolved from a Bantu language as a means of communication between traders. The country remained under Omani Arab rule until the 1880s when parts of the country fell to German and British rule. However, many Omani Arabs remained in Kenya and their influence can still be felt to this day, adding to Kenya’s rich culture.
The area was ruled by the British Empire from 1895 until 1963. Dissatisfaction started to rise with British rule after the war. Taxes were increasing and there were few jobs available. White European settlers became rich farming tea and coffee and more followed, claiming the land where over a million Kikuyu people had once lived. Many of these people were forced to work as farmers whilst others migrated to the cities to find work. Nationalist movements were formed and one leader, Jomo Kenyatta, led an uprising of the Mau Mau people. This uprising was repressed by British and African troops after a long struggle and Jomo Kenyatta was sent to prison. However, as a result of the uprising and political pressures from other countries, Britain relinquished rule in Kenya in 1963. In 1964, the country became a republic and Jomo Kenyatta became its first president.
The people of Kenya celebrate their independence, ‘Jamhuri Day’, on 12th December every year. I was extremely fortunate to be on holiday in the country on that day and it was a double celebration of throwing off British rule and becoming the Republic of Kenya. In Nairobi, the capital city, the President of Kenya gave a speech at the Nyayo Stadium. There was a carnival atmosphere with air shows and military parades. Celebrations continued across the country where people hung the Kenyan flag in their homes and dressed in traditional kikoys and kitenges. Parties continued well into the night with dancing and I tasted traditional foods such as Irio, which are balls made from mashed vegetables dipped into delicious meat stews. It was an unbelievable experience and absolute must for travellers who want to experience the ‘real’ heart of Kenya.
Kenyans living in different countries all over the world come together to enjoy a day of celebration and unity. People who are unable to travel home to Kenya for the celebrations organize their own events. Events are organised by Kenyan student groups to take place in their universities and by the Kenyan embassies around the world. Along with the parties and celebrations there are many speeches and discussions about political issues affecting the country. Whilst Independence Day is a time to celebrate the Kenyan people’s freedom, it is also very much about planning their future and about how Kenya can move forward and stay united. If you get a chance to go to Kenya, why not coincide it with Kenyan Independence Day and experience a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
This guest post was contributed by Leyla, an aspiring blogger who enjoys blogging on travel. She is currently writing on behalf of Tribes Travel, the award-winning Fair Trade travel company that offers specialist Kenya and Botswana safari holidays.
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