About Kenya

Kenya, named after Mount Kenya and with a population of 39 million, is located in east Africa and borders the Indian Ocean to its south-east, Somalia to its north-east, Ethiopia to its north, Sudan to its north-west, Uganda to its west and Tanzania to its south. Kenya has a diverse topography, from the beaches on the Indian Ocean, to forests and mountains, to sweeping savannahs and near desert landscapes.

What is now known as Kenya was explored by the Portuguese during the late fifteenth century, who set up trading stations there en route to India and Asia. During the 17th Century both the English and Dutch started moving into the area together with the Omani Arab, however this latter group was repelled by the English and Germans during the 1880s. Between 1952 and 1959 Kenya was placed under a state of emergency following a rebellion by the Mau Mau and the country was finally granted its independence from British rule in 1963.

Kenya is widely regarded as a stable and peaceful country, however there have been incidents of border issues particularly with Somali, where Kenya has been keen to broker peace talks against it warring neighbour. Recent violence flared in Kenya following the re-election of President Kibaki in 2007. His opponent, Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement, appeared to have a large lead in the vote as the results came in, however by close of voting, this lead had evaporated in what was allegedly election fraud. Kibaki was subsequently declared the winner and within minutes violence and rioting had broken out across Kenya.

Matters descended dangerously further when two opposition MPs were shot and killed. In total between 800 - 1500 were killed with a further estimated 200,000 displaced. The effect had a knock on effect for other countries close to Kenya for they relied upon Kenya for access to the port at Mombasa both for imports and exports. Severe gasoline shortages were also reported.

Whilst the matter is now seen to be resolved, international observers are bracing themselves for further outbreaks of violence following elections scheduled for 2012. Problems facing Kenya today apart from the inevitable aftermath the civil unrest, which was often tribal targeted, include widespread poverty and high unemployment. Life expectancy has fallen by six years to just 54yrs within the last decade.

Charities in Kenya work with literally millions of people focussing on education, health and water, particularly the very practical need to distribute food and water supplies to those areas worst affected by drought. Other practical projects include providing goats who can supply milk for children and the excess milk can then be sold as an additional source of income. Other work includes developing new sustainable farming techniques and rolling out an HIV/AIDS awareness and anti-viral program. There are many charities working with young people and children in Kenya. Click here to review them.