CULTURE & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Africa is a great resource when researching new information on the culture of Kenya. This website contains information on the food, games, climate, agriculture, children, geography, health, poverty, and women. This was one of my most useful sites when gathering information on culture because it is so rich.
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Kwintessential is an awesome resource that gets deeper into the culture of Kenya. The website digs deep into their etiquette whether it be dining, greeting someone and gift giving. It also discusses their ways of business and business communication.
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I found this map to be very interesting. When describing culture, many may not think of politics, but in reality politics plays a huge role in a persons culture. Depending on the country and its level of wealth or poverty, the political aspect may be a huge affect of what one if allowed to do in their country. This may include the religion you may follow, the clothes you where, and even what you eat, just to name a few. This map to the left shows the percentage of votes among the three men running for president and the total percentage of voters in the country for the 2013 Presidential Election. Overall, Kenya's voting turnout consisted of 90-95% of the total population voted.
Kenya 2013. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2015, from http://mcimaps.com/international-elections/kenya/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
How the Country Has Changed Over Time
This map shows the high amount of child mortality in 1880 in Kenya as well as the world as portrayed by gapinder.org.
This map shows the murder (total death) rate in Kenya in 2002 as portrayed by gapminder.org.
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This map shows the decrease in child mortality as of 2000 in Kenya as well as the entire world as portrayed by gapminder.org.
This map shows the increase in murder (total deaths) in Kenya from 2002 as portrayed by gapminder.org.
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The four screenshots above show how Kenya has changed over time in two specific ways, child mortality and total deaths. In the first set of maps, from 1880 to 2000 the child mortality rate has significantly dropped. This is the amount of birth to five years only dying per 1,000 births. I chose this example because it is a small piece of what is shown in gapminder. The death of young children birth to age five could be an effect of women having complications in childbirth or the poor living conditions. Young children especially newborns aren't strong enough to survive on their own and in poor conditions. In the second set of maps, from 2002 to 2004 the murder (total death) rate has increased in Kenya. much of the murder deaths can be linked to violence in Kenya. The violence in Kenya is an effect of political differences or tribal differences. Both of these examples are just two of the many significant or drastic changes happening in Kenya.
Religions
Christianity consumes more than two-thirds of the Kenyan population. Christianity first began in Kenya during the 15th century when the Portuguese arrived. The spread of Christian missionaries began when the railroad opened from Mombasa to Uganda (East Africa Living Encyclopedia). Since the influence of the Portuguese lessened, Christianity was lost and not revived until the end of the 19th century (Ntarangwi). Islam is the second largest religion in Kenya. The city of Mombasa is home to many Muslims, found in the northeastern region and central coast (Republic of Kenya). Many mosques can be found in Nairobi (Republic of Kenya). There is also an Indian presence in Kenya, mostly found in major towns and cities across the country. This population practices Hinduism and Sikhism. The remains of the population follow traditional African beliefs. Christians tend to be fixed in the west and central sections of the country while Muslims cluster in the eastern coastal regions. Most Kenyans fuse native beliefs into a traditional religion (Kenya: Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette). Many of the traditional beliefs in Kenya share the same characteristics. “The Kikuyu's god is named "Murungu" or (more frequently) "Ngai", a loan-word from Masai. Ngai cannot be seen, but is manifested in the sun, moon, thunder and lighting, stars, rain, the rainbow and in the great fig trees that serve as places of worship and sacrifice (East Africa living Encyclopedia)”. The Mijikenda culture evolved from people who shared common ancestors (The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture). They built a village of defense, formed from trees known as Kaya. Here, each clan has their own sacred place for a shrine for prayer, sacrifices and other religious rituals (The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture).
The role of religion in Kenya is key for the social development and culture that exists there. Religion is a huge factor within a person’s culture. Religion can define they way a person acts and play a role in the way they do certain tasks. For example, the local tribes that believe in the god Murungu that is seen through nature, they show off special dances to honor him. This is an example of religion in culture. Another example of religion is culture is the way someone dresses. Their dress may represent specific things in their beliefs such as the local tribes dressing in brightly colored gowns with vivid jewelry and in the Christian/Catholic faith they believe in dressing modestly. From the previous research I have conducted on the culture in Kenya many factors play a huge role in defining an individual, these may consist of dress, food, currency, politics, transportation, religion, education, gender equality and so much more. These factors affect the social development aspect of the country.
For the vast religions in Kenya, all contain places of worship, such as churches for Christianity and mosques for the Muslims. These places are considered scared in each religion. Although the country contains many of these for worship, there was not any more research that could be found on scared religious places. Mijikenda people have assimilated to modern cultural practices, resulting in the disappearance of many of their traditional customs. “Most Mijikenda people are now either Christians or Muslims; however, some still practice their traditional culture or a mixture of Christianity or Islam with their traditional religion (The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture)”. The information on sacred places inside Kenya is very slim, but the many details regarding Kaya are very interesting.
There are very few connections between the government and religions in Kenya. Unlike most foreign countries, Kenya does not have a dictating government. This means they have the right to freedom of religion and are not forced to believe in a certain god or religion. As stated in the Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion, every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship (Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion).
Throughout my research on Kenya, I have been extremely surprised. Before doing any research I had a mental picture in my mind of what Kenya was and looked like, but in some aspects I was completely wrong. I always imagined happy people wearing brightly colored clothing and beautiful handmade jewelry. This is true, but there is so much more that make up the people of Kenya. Especially focusing on religion, I had no idea how prevalent Christianity was in Kenya, comprising three-fourths of the entire country. I was also very surprised to see a decent percentage of the population practicing Islam, although your residence doesn’t specify your religion. Overall this project was a huge eye opener for me and gave me wonderful insight into the religion of the people in Kenya.
Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/quotes/constitution-of-kenya-article-32-freedom-of-conscience-religion-belief-and-opinion
East Africa Living Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.africa.upenn.edu/NEH/kreligion.htm
Kenya: Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/kenya.html
Ntarangwi, M. (n.d.). Religion. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya/259732/Religion
Republic of Kenya. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://republicofkenya.org/culture/religion/
The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/mijikenda-tribe.html
The role of religion in Kenya is key for the social development and culture that exists there. Religion is a huge factor within a person’s culture. Religion can define they way a person acts and play a role in the way they do certain tasks. For example, the local tribes that believe in the god Murungu that is seen through nature, they show off special dances to honor him. This is an example of religion in culture. Another example of religion is culture is the way someone dresses. Their dress may represent specific things in their beliefs such as the local tribes dressing in brightly colored gowns with vivid jewelry and in the Christian/Catholic faith they believe in dressing modestly. From the previous research I have conducted on the culture in Kenya many factors play a huge role in defining an individual, these may consist of dress, food, currency, politics, transportation, religion, education, gender equality and so much more. These factors affect the social development aspect of the country.
For the vast religions in Kenya, all contain places of worship, such as churches for Christianity and mosques for the Muslims. These places are considered scared in each religion. Although the country contains many of these for worship, there was not any more research that could be found on scared religious places. Mijikenda people have assimilated to modern cultural practices, resulting in the disappearance of many of their traditional customs. “Most Mijikenda people are now either Christians or Muslims; however, some still practice their traditional culture or a mixture of Christianity or Islam with their traditional religion (The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture)”. The information on sacred places inside Kenya is very slim, but the many details regarding Kaya are very interesting.
There are very few connections between the government and religions in Kenya. Unlike most foreign countries, Kenya does not have a dictating government. This means they have the right to freedom of religion and are not forced to believe in a certain god or religion. As stated in the Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion, every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship (Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion).
Throughout my research on Kenya, I have been extremely surprised. Before doing any research I had a mental picture in my mind of what Kenya was and looked like, but in some aspects I was completely wrong. I always imagined happy people wearing brightly colored clothing and beautiful handmade jewelry. This is true, but there is so much more that make up the people of Kenya. Especially focusing on religion, I had no idea how prevalent Christianity was in Kenya, comprising three-fourths of the entire country. I was also very surprised to see a decent percentage of the population practicing Islam, although your residence doesn’t specify your religion. Overall this project was a huge eye opener for me and gave me wonderful insight into the religion of the people in Kenya.
Constitution of Kenya, Article 32: Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/quotes/constitution-of-kenya-article-32-freedom-of-conscience-religion-belief-and-opinion
East Africa Living Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.africa.upenn.edu/NEH/kreligion.htm
Kenya: Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/kenya.html
Ntarangwi, M. (n.d.). Religion. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya/259732/Religion
Republic of Kenya. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://republicofkenya.org/culture/religion/
The Mijikenda Tribe of Kenya - Their History and Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/mijikenda-tribe.html
This chart shows the relationship between the ethnicities and religions among the population in Kenya.
Religions and Ethnicity - Kenya. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://mecometer.com/whats/kenya/religions-and-ethnicity/
This pie chart shows the percentages of the major religions in Kenya.
MECOmeter - Macro ECOnomy Meter. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://mecometer.com/compare/ethiopia kenya/religions-and-ethnicity/
Food & Food Production
Kenya is a multi-racial society, the majority of people comprising native
ethnic groups. The rest of the population is Asian, Arab, and European.
The official languages of Kenya are Swahili and English. Traditional Kenyan foods reflect the many different lifestyles of the various groups in the country. Most Kenyan dishes are filling and inexpensive to make. Staple foods consist mainly of corn, maize, potatoes, and beans.
POPULAR KENYAN DISHES
POPULAR KENYAN DISHES
- Ugali and Fish: Ugali is made up of ground maize flour and water. It takes the form of a cake after it has been cooked. Simply cook the floor in boiled water until it hardens. This is a favorite meal not just for the Luos in Nyanza Province but for all Kenyans. Fish is popular in Nyanza because of it's proximity to Lake Victoria and at the coast because of the Indian Ocean.
- Githeri :This is a mixture of boiled maize and beans. This is a popular dish among the Kikuyu community mainly found in Central Province.
- Mukimo: This is a mashed version of the Githeri. It is usually made up of maize and beans mashed with potatoes or cooked bananas.
- Mursik: This is a popular drink made of fermented milk and charcoal popular among the Kalenjins of Kenya.
- Ingoho: The Luhya's of Western Kenya are said to love this meal that is basically chicken. Luhya's are sure to cook for you Ingoho if you are considered an important visitor.
- Wali: At the cost, Wali (Rice) is a popular meal. It is mostly cooked with coconut milk. Coconuts are readily available at the cost.
- Kachumbari: This is a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, pepper, parsley and in some cases Avocado. It is mostly served with Nyama Choma.
- Nyama Choma: This is roast meat. Very popular in Kenya. Beef is the cheaper meat in Kenya compared to Chicken or Fish.
HOW TO MAKE UGALI
Known as ugali in Kenya and Tanzania, this starchy, polenta-like side dish goes by different names in sub-Saharan Africa. In Malawi and Zambia it is called nsima or nshima. The South African name for it is pap or mealie pap. Zimbabweans call it sadza.
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- Water -- 4 cups
- Salt -- 2 teaspoons
- White cornmeal, finely ground -- 2 cups
- Bring the water and salt to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the cornmeal slowly, letting it fall though the fingers of your hand.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue stirring regularly, smashing any lumps with a spoon, until the mush pulls away from the sides of the pot and becomes very thick, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool somewhat.
- Place the ugali into a large serving bowl. Wet your hands with water, form into a ball and serve.
- White cornmeal is the most commonly used grain for ugali. But you can substitute sorghum, millet or coarse cassava flour or even hominy grits.
- More or less water can be added to achieve the consistency you prefer.
- Stir in a little butter if you like for a richer flavor.
- http://www.whats4eats.com/grains/ugali-recipe
Food & Religious Belief
Kenya's religious heritage mirrors its ethnic history. About 65 percent of the population are Christians and 2 to 4 percent are Muslim. The remainder practice traditional native beliefs. Christmas in Kenya is a time for social gatherings and food. Visitors will stop at the homes of friends and family, and food is served to everyone. Christmas dinner is likely to be fish or nyama choma . Goat or beef is used for nyama choma , although goat is considered a greater delicacy. Vegetables, fruit, and chapattis are often served with chutney.
Where does the food come from?
Farming is the most important economic sector in Kenya, although less than 8 percent of the land is used for crop and feed production, and less than 20 percent is suitable for cultivation. All of the food eaten in Kenya is grown in Kenya. Kenya is comprised of many small farms that grow most of the corn and also produce potatoes, bananas, beans and peas. Kenya is a leading producer of tea and coffee, as well as the third-leading exporter of fresh produce, such as cabbages, onions and mangoes.