8 Interesting Facts About Kenya to Get You Started

What are some of the interesting facts about Kenya? Before we dive deep into answering the question, Kenya is a country located in East Africa and is bordered by Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan. This amazing country is known for its breathtaking natural scenery and diverse wildlife, attracting tourists from around the world.

Kenya is one of the most famous African countries, which is why you’ll hear some people refer to it as the capital of Africa. Considering how incredible this East African country is, I don’t think it gets talked about as it should. Let’s take a look at eight interesting facts about Kenya to get you started.

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1. Kenya Is The World’s Leading Safari Destination

Known worldwide for its rich nature and rich cultural heritage, Kenya attracts tourists from all over the world. The East African country has been named ‘World’s Leading Safari Destination’ for seven years in a row. Kenya offers a wildlife experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Safari cars are following large African Elephants in Kenya. Photo// Travel Noire.

2. Kenya is Home to The Great Rift Valley

One of the interesting facts about Kenya is that it is home to the famous Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley has a viewpoint where most tourists come to see miles of the beautiful land of Kenya. According to African Adventures, the Great Rift Valley was formed more than 25 million years ago by geological tension in the earth’s crust. It is approximately 6500 kilometres long.

3. More Than 60 Languages Are Spoken Across Kenya

Apart from Kenya’s two official languages of English and Kiswahili, there are more than 60 languages being spoken in the country. In fact, Ethnologue reports that there are a total of 70 languages spoken in Kenya as of 2023. Most of these languages belong to ethnic groups such as Bantus and Nilotes.

4. Kenya Has 50 National Parks And Reserves

You must have heard about Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo East National Park and Amboseli National Park. Well, these popular safari destinations are found in Kenya and are amazing when it comes to wildlife viewing. Did you know that Kenya has 50 national parks and reserves in total? That’s right, a total of 22 national parks and 28 game reserves.

5. Kenya Is Home To World Record Breakers In Athletics

Eliud Kipchoge is from Kenya. Photo/ Britannica.

One of the interesting facts about Kenya is that it is home to some of the most popular athletes who have broken records at sporting events. Eliud Kipchoge, David Rudisha, Pamela Jelimo, Faith Kipyego and Ezekiel Kemboi are just a few well-known athletes who call Kenya home. Kenya’s Kalenjin tribe has been dubbed ‘the running tribe’ for its unbelievable ability to spawn world record-breaking runners.

6. The First African Woman to Win The Nobel Peace Prize Was From Kenya

is famous for being the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She is much respected in Kenya where she is also the first female professor ever. Maathai, who founded the Green Belt Movement, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She passed away on 25 September 2011.

Wangari Maathai. Photo/ HapaKenya –

7. Lake Turkana Is The World’s Largest Desert Lake

Lake Turkana, formerly known as Lake Rudolf, is a lake in the Kenyan Rift Valley, in northern Kenya. It is the world’s largest desert lake listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is listed as part of the three Lake Turkana National Parks – Sibiloi National Park, South Island National Park and Central Island National Park.

8. Kenya Is Home To The Second-Highest Mountain In Africa

Another interesting fact about Kenya is that it is home to Africa’s second-highest mountain – Mount Kenya. The mountain is located in The Great Rift Valley and stands at 5199 metres. It takes about four to five days to reach the peak of Mount Kenya.