Most Kenyans are too consumed by the hustle and bustles of each passing day, in a bid to place food on their tables and settle their accruing bills, that they forget to stop for even a second and appreciate the beauty of their country of origin.
It is quite unfortunate that most Kenyans do not realize the grace, grandeur, and pride associated with living in the leading economic hub within Eastern Africa.
It might even come as a surprise to many, the unknown yet apparently clear facts about our beloved motherland of Kenya that will appear on this list:
The origin of the name 'Kenya'
This is probably one of those crucial details you must have overlooked. This name supposedly traces it's origin back to the slopes of Mt. Kenya. It is associated with the local vernaculars that occupy that region mainly the Agikuyu, Aembu and Akamba names that referred to the mountain that is 'Kirinyaga', 'Kirinyaa', and 'Kiinya' respectively. The colonialist couldn't pronounce this names correctly so they put it down as 'Kenia' which ultimately translated to Kenya.
Kenya's drainage basins
Of late Kenya has been experiencing a widespread shortage in water supply, and Kenyans have been rumbling and venting about it for quite some time now. But did you know that Kenya has 5 major drainage basins?. These are mainly Ewaso Ng'iro to the North, Lake Victoria to the West, Athi-Galana-Sabaki River to the Coastal regions in the South, The Tana River and finally The Great Rift Valley. Now you are in the know.
Coffee is Kenya's largest export product
This might be waived off as common knowledge to most but it is not. Most Kenyans prefer tea to coffee and most of the produced coffee is mainly for exports. This might trick most into thinking that tea is our top grossing product in the export market but this is definitely not the case.
Home to the Big Five
Kenya wildlife is unrivaled by any other in the world, both in terms of numbers and variety of species, but perhaps none as popular as “The Big Five.” This so-called “Big-Five” includes the lion, the largest of Africa’s big cats; elephant, the world’s largest land mammal; buffalo, one of the most feared animals; rhinoceros (white and black), both of which are endangered; and leopard, a very elusive animal, hunting at night and spending its days resting in trees.Also, the home of the ninth wonder; at the Masai Mara Game Reserve is where you can witness the incredible migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest from July through October.
The Great Rift Valley is an ancient land-form
The Great Rift Valley is approximated to be have been formed roughly 20 million years ago when the faults caved in and the earth split. So the next time you travel or visit the Rift, respect the elderly and do not forget to awe.
Kenyans are a very diverse people
Our cultures and traditions vary from the tribes and language groups. So does the local tongues and their resulting dialects. Religion also plays a big role in painting this diverse picture, nearly 70 percent of Kenyans are Christians, about 26% of the population adhere to their indigenous religions while about 6 to10 percent are Muslims. The rest consists mostly of Asian based religions like Hindus, Sikhs, Parsee's and Bahais.
Now sit back, relax and enjoy your motherland!