Kenya

 


Discover something about Kenya with our fun facts, and make use of our Kenyan flag printables, maps and worksheets.

Migration of wildebeest to Masai Mara
Migration of wildebeest to Masai Mara

A Little Geography

  • The Republic of Kenya, a modern democracy of 44 million people, lies along the equator on the east of Africa.
  • Kenya is bordered by Tanzania to the south and south-west, Lake Victoria and Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the north and Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east.
  • Kenya is a country with diverse landscapes - from the tropical Indian Ocean coast, ancient rift valleys and rainforest, to the glaciers on Africa's second highest mountain, Mount Kenya.
  • Mount Kenya is the country’s highest peak, at 17,058 feet (5,199 metres).
  • The tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located near the border of Kenya and Tanzania and can be viewed from Kenya, but falls entirely within Tanzanian soil.
  • The rift valley is known as 'the cradle of civilisation' as it contains fossils of prehuman hominins, which date back 6 million years.
  • Each May after the rainy season, the Masai Mara is visited by a million migrating animals including wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
  • The capital, Nairobi, is the most populous city in East Africa and has the world's only wildlife park near the centre of a city.

A Little History

  • Archaeologists have discovered primitive axes and tools in Kenya's Rift Valley dating back an incredible 1.7 million years, probably developed by Homo erectus, an ancestor of modern humans. The first human settlements became established around 3000 years ago. 
  • Between 500 BC and 500 AD, Bantu people came from the west and south and Nilotic tribes from the north-west settling in Kenya to cultivate the fertile land. The Bantu ethnic group is the largest ethnic community in modern Kenya.
  • Kenya's port cities of Lamu, Malindi and Mombassa were founded by Arab traders around 700 AD. Residents today still adhere to Islamic culture and clothing. The Swahili language began to evolve from a mixture of Bantu and Arabic.
  • Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach Kenya 1498, and the Portuguese took power from the Arabs and settled on the coast of Kenya for 2 centuries, bringing new crops such as maize.
  • During the Berlin Conference of 1885,  European nations divided Africa among themselves. Britain was allocated the East Africa Protectorate (also known as British East Africa), an area in the African Great Lakes occupying roughly the same terrain as present-day Kenya. 
  • In 1895 the British built a railway across the region. This brought more settlers into Kenya, and many natives were forced onto reservations.
  • In 1920 the protectorate became a British colony and was officially named Kenya after the tallest mountain.
  • A rebel movement against colonial rule was formed in 1952 called the Mau Mau, and a state of emergency was declared in Kenya. By the end of 1956 the uprising was over, but the movement towards independence had begun.
  • Kenya finally became independent on 12th December 1963, and joined the Commonwealth in 1964.

And Some Interesting Facts

  • The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, outside Nairobi, looks after orphan elephants and rhinos, so they can return to the wild.
  • Kenyans speak Swahili, which comes from the Arab word for coast, 'sahel'. The word for journey is 'safari', which all tourists should experience in Kenya.
  • Tea and flowers are the major exports.
  • Kenya's rugby team were the African champions in 2013 and came fourth in the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Nairobi's central business district
Nairobi's central business district


About the Kenyan Flag

Kenya flag

The flag of Kenya has horizontal stripes of black, red and green which each have a strip of white between them. In the centre of the flag, there is a red, black and white Maasai shield with two crossed spears behind it. This design was officially adopted in December 1963. The black colour in the flag represents the black majority of the population, the red is for the blood shed during the fight for independence, the green represents the land, and the white stripes dividing up the colours are for peace and honesty. The Maasai shield and spears protect everything that the flag represents.


Flags and Other Printables

Climate Of Kenya Worksheet

Climate Of Kenya Worksheet

This fun activity encourages some research about the weather and climate in Kenya. There's even a weather phone app template to fill in!

Culture In Kenya Worksheet

Culture In Kenya Worksheet

We've divided this Culture in Kenya worksheet into 4 sections, covering traditional costumes, the arts, sport/pastimes and holidays/festivals. The kids need to find out a little about each and fill in the boxes.

Food From Kenya Worksheet

Food From Kenya Worksheet

Kenyans love to eat roast meat, but can you find out which types of meats are popular, and what other foods are typical in Kenya? 

Introduction To Kenya

Introduction To Kenya

Kenya has a very ancient history and fascinating geography too! Find out a bit more by reading our Introduction to Kenya...

Kenya Bookmarks

Kenya Bookmarks

Here are four sets of Kenya bookmarks featuring the flag either in colour or black and white.

Kenya Coat Of Arms Worksheet

Kenya Coat Of Arms Worksheet

Kenya is famous for wildlife including big cats like the lions on the coat of arms. Can you find out why they appear on the coat of arms, and write about the other parts too? For an extra challenge, try designing your own coat of arms for Kenya using Worksheet 2 (see below).

Kenya Compare And Contrast Venn Diagram

Kenya Compare And Contrast Venn Diagram

Here's an interesting Venn diagram worksheet for the kids to try. Can they research a little about life in Kenya, then compare and contrast it with their own?

Kenya Compare And Contrast Worksheet

Kenya Compare And Contrast Worksheet

Do some research about daily life in Kenya (food, education, games/sports and so on), then compare with your own daily life using this worksheet.

Kenya Facts Poster

Kenya Facts Poster

Did you know that Mount Kenya is the highest point in Kenya at 5,199 m? We've got this fact, and 6 others, on this colourful facts poster.

Kenya Factsheet

Kenya Factsheet

This Kenya factsheet is a great place to start learning about the country, and it's ideal to print and stick into lapbooks too...

Kenya Flag Printable

Kenya Flag Printable

Our printable Kenyan flags come in three different sizes, ready to print and use in all your projects.

Kenya Location Worksheet

Kenya Location Worksheet

We have two location worksheets for Kenya - one guided for younger children. Find the country and the capital city.

Kenya National Flower Colouring Page

Kenya National Flower Colouring Page

The stunning orchid is Kenya's unofficial national flower -  and even if it's not officially the national flower yet, we think you'll enjoy colouring in this picture of one!

Kenya On Map Of Africa

Kenya On Map Of Africa

This useful simplified outline map shows Kenya highlighted on the continent of Africa.

Kenya Picture Gallery

Kenya Picture Gallery

People often visit Kenya to see the 'Big Five' safari animals: the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Perhaps you could draw them in these 5 frames? Or choose 5 other pictures to do with Kenya to draw...

Kenya Postcard 1

Kenya Postcard 1

This stunning postcard features a photograph of Mount Kilimanjaro, but can the kids describe some other landmarks and places can you see in Kenya, along with activities you might do or food you might eat? 

Kenya Postcard 2

Kenya Postcard 2

Kenya is famous for safari adventures and amazing wild animals - something to draw and write about on this postcard perhaps?

Kenya Poster 1

Kenya Poster 1

Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in Tanzania, but this stunning view can be seen from Kenya. For best results, print using the borderless settings on your printer.

Kenya Poster 2

Kenya Poster 2

We've put the Kenyan flag inside the shape of the country on this simple but effective poster - it's also easy to print and won't use up too much ink.

Kenya Story Paper

Kenya Story Paper

Kenya would make an excellent setting for a story, set on a safari perhaps? Choose from one of our two versions of story paper below (lined or with handwriting lines).

Kenya Study Pack

Kenya Study Pack

Our Kenya study pack is full of educational resources and fun, creative activities. It's aimed at children of 7-11 years old, but many of the activities will suit older or younger children too.

Kenya Tourist Leaflet

Kenya Tourist Leaflet

Mount Kilimanjaro is on the front of this 3-fold Kenya tourist leaflet, and the kids just need to add some information about Kenya inside...

Kenya Travel Brochure Worksheet

Kenya Travel Brochure Worksheet

Kenya is famous for wildlife safaris, but there are a lot of other things to see and do there. Can the children write an eye-catching travel brochure encouraging people to visit?

Kenya Word Search

Kenya Word Search

We've hidden 15 words all to do with Kenya in this word search grid - can the children find them all? Solution available to download below...

Kenya Worksheet

Kenya Worksheet

Use this simple worksheet to structure your research into Kenya.

Packing For Kenya Worksheet

Packing For Kenya Worksheet

Many people like to go on a safari when they visit Kenya. Think about what you'd need to pack for this and other activities in Kenya, and draw or write down all the items in the suitcase.

Wildlife Of Kenya Worksheet

Wildlife Of Kenya Worksheet

Visitors flock to Kenya to see the animals known as Africa's "big five". Can the children find out more about these animals and more, and also the plants found in Kenya, then record what they have learned on this worksheet?

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