Kenya is a diverse country, with many different cultures represented. Notable cultures include the Swahili on the coast, pastoralist communities in the north, and several different communities in the central and western regions. Today, the Maasai culture is well known, due to its heavy exposure from tourism although it is only a minor tribe. The Maasai are known for adorning their upper bodies and the jewellery they wear.



Kenya has considerable land area of wildlife habitat. The animals of Africa also found in Kenya are the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and the elephant. A significant population of other wild animals, reptiles and birds can be found in the national parks and game reserves in the country. The environment of Kenya is threatened by high population growth and its side effects.

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The country receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round. However it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rain season occurs from April to June. The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

Under the presidency of Mwai Kibaki, the new ruling coalition promised to focus its efforts on generating economic growth, combating corruption, improving education, and rewriting its constitution. These promises have only been partially met. The next general elections are due to be held in December 2007. President Kibaki is expected to rerun.

The education system consists early childhood education, primary, secondary and tertiary. Early childhood education takes at least three years, primary eight years, secondary four and university four or six years depending on the course. At the end of primary education, pupils sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, which determines those who proceed to secondary school or vocational training. For those who proceed to secondary level, there is a national examination at the end of Form Four the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education this determines those proceeding to the universities, other professional training or employment.