Kenyan culture is a rich mix of traditional African tribal cultures, along with Arabic, Portuguese and British influences left over from days gone by. More recently, Hindu influences are also permeating Kenyan culture.

The nomads who roamed the land in search of cool feeding areas for their goats and cattle bring colorful costumes and the vibrant rhythms of drums and percussion to the beat of modern African life. Arabic and Hindu undertones infuse Kenyan songs with string instruments and melodious melodies, while chants and dances echo the victories of warriors and hunters who make a living from the land.

Kenyan food is a mix of African recipes like Irio and Ugali, tempting fruits like creamy bananas and sweet papayas, Indian samosas, and meat like coconut beef or chicken served with peanut soup in colorful gourds. Local dishes are rich in cereals and grains such as peas, millet and cornmeal. Nairobi and Mombasa are good places to find great restaurants that offer an excellent variety of food styles influenced by both American and English cuisine as well as Indian cuisine and native African dishes. Have you ever tried Grilled Zebra? Or savor a succulent roast boar served with local beer (called muratina)?

Although the people of Kenya are predominantly Christian, representing both Roman Catholic and Protestant sects of Christianity, Kenyan culture is influenced by many religions and does not have a state religion as such. Many Kenyans practice Islam or Hinduism.

The tribes migrated to Kenya from the bordering countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The Kikuyu arrived with the Bantu tribes in the great migrations that took place years ago. Today, nomadic tribes such as the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana find their former lives unsettled. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a living by chasing water and good feeding places for their cattle in today’s modern Kenyan culture. But these noble tribes bring a legacy steeped in colorful fabrics, beaded jewelry and elegant rituals that continue to influence modern life and create the unique and varied melting pot of civilizations that make Kenya what it is today.