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Where we do it > Kenya - 10 facts

Kenya - Ten facts 1. Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was the first African woman to win the award.

2. The world's oldest primary school pupil is Kimani Nganga Maruge and he's 88 years old. Mr Maruge, who was deprived the opportunity of going to school as a child, began school in January 2004 when primary education was declared free in Kenya. He attends Kapkenduiywa Primary School in Eldoret, which two of his 30 grandchildren also attend.

3. Kenya has a long tradition of producing its own bootleg liquor, two of which - chang'a or kumi-kumi - it is advised you steer well clear of due to their quite lethal side effects.

4. There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya. And, even though the average Kenyan may have outwardly drifted away from tribal traditions, the first question asked when two people meet is 'What tribe are you from?'.

5. English and Swahili are the languages taught throughout the country, but there are many other tribal languages. These include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues.

6. The most popular musical style in Kenya is a contemporary dance music known as 'benga' . It originated among the Luo people of western Kenya and became popular in the area during the 1950s.

7. The nomadic Cushitic tribes from Ethiopia were the first of many human settlers to arrive on Kenyan soil (in around 2000 BC).

8. One of Kenya's most remarkable annual events is organised by a group of wildebeests. Millions of them stampede across the country in July and August in the search for lush grass.

9. The official colour of the Maasai - the indigenous semi-nomadic tribe located in Kenya and Northern Tanzania - is red. They will always be wearing something of this colour, no matter how little.

10. The Great Rift Valley, which runs the length of Kenya, was formed twenty million years ago. It was created when the earth's crust ripped apart. Many volcanic mountains were formed and there are hot springs along the Rift.


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