A Seem at Kenyan Tradition

A Seem at Kenyan Tradition

Whilst Kenya culture has developed to encompass Western, Asian and Arab influences, it however retains a distinctly African identity. Examples of the dominant forms of language, dress, food items, music and dance illustrate this position effectively.

Languages in Kenya

Although very well in excess of 40 dialects are spoken in Kenya, the languages that appreciate countrywide attraction are English and specifically Swahili. So, even while the local languages are spoken commonly in their respective tribal locations, it is a fantastic idea for the visitor to the countryside to learn a few phrases in Swahili.

Typical Dress

When educated and affluent Kenyans have adopted the Western style of dressing of business enterprise suits, jeans and t-shirts, a lot of communities have remained genuine to their common equipment.

The globe-famed Masai and Samburu keep on to gown in brightly checked sheet wraps (known as shukas) and plenty of earrings, necklaces, armlets and bungles.

The Ogiek, a hunter-gatherer group whose ancestral dwelling is the Mau Forest, gown mainly in hyrax pores and skin. That stated, unlike other countries these kinds of as Nigeria and Rwanda, Kenya does not have a countrywide costume and several tries to arrive up with one have proved unsuccessful. Common don in Kenya as a result may differ from tribe to tribe.

Kenya Foodstuff

In the food stuff arena, several rural Kenyans keep on to take in the meals that their ancestors did. The Luo relish their fish and millet, the Kikuyu their irio (Irish potatoes, peas, maize and greens mashed collectively) and the Masai’s diet plan consists of meat, blood and milk.

Admittedly, Pilau rice, chapatti and samosas which are borrowed from Asia, are delicacies at the coastline. In addition, chips and deep fried hen are served at quite a few eateries all around the state. On the other hand, these are not very as well-liked as ugali and nyama choma. So if Kenya has a nationwide foods at all, it has to be these 2.

Ugali is a maize (corn) flour cake that is baked about an open flame whilst nyama choma is barbecued meat, usually goat, beef or lamb. This is normally eaten with kachumbari, a spiced tomato, onion and chilly relish.

Dance and Music

Music and dance are important elements of Kenya society and are typically performed at crucial ceremonies this kind of as weddings and initiations. The character of Kenyan new music and dance also varies from area to location.

The Luhya’s tunes is rapid-paced and integrates different beats concurrently. The Luo dance is a lot more calculated with the dancers adhering to the rhythm of the nyatiti, a conventional lyre.

Alongside the Kenya coast, Taarab, which betrays Arab and Indian influences, is common. It is sung by ladies who slowly and elegantly gyrate from aspect to facet with a belly dance. They are typically accompanied by an Arab drum and beat.

The Masai dances performed by adult males culminate in a leaping contest with the increased a person is ready to soar, the superior he is. Costumes and props this sort of as masks, shields and spears are very important elements of most of the dances.

Kenyans are famous for their enthusiasm for song and dance. A popular music style termed benga, which fuses Kenyan and Western influences, is preferred in nightclubs around the country.

Time Flies By…

Simply because Kenyans shift at their rate, timekeeping just isn’t one of the Kenyans’ virtues. So there is absolutely nothing untoward about currently being an hour or 2 late for an appointment. And, handshaking is an indispensable portion of greeting.

Where to Expertise Kenya Tradition

Although in Kenya, there are many good areas to working experience Kenya society. Via the classic homesteads, songs and crafts that are showcased, the Bomas of Kenya presents you a great glimpse into the tradition of Kenya.

The National Theater is also an exceptional position to enjoy performances of songs, dance and performs from the various locations of the place.

Museums, these kinds of as those people in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu are excellent for observing how Kenya culture has developed in excess of time. The biggest and most exciting of of these is the Nairobi Nationwide Museum located on Museum Hill in Nairobi.

Nonetheless, the conventional villages dotted all more than the region are the best spots to experience genuine, unedited elements of Kenya tradition. There are several of these in close proximity to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Victoria, Mombasa and Lamu and that can be visited for the duration of a safari to these common vacationer destinations.