Contributions by Rose.
Facts you may not have know about Kenya:
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country in east Africa. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya has a population of approximately 49 million, and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963, after which it became a republic in 1964.
Kenya is the biggest and most advanced economy in east and central Africa, and is often classified as a frontier market. The economy has seen much expansion, seen by strong performance in tourism, higher education, and telecommunications.
Today, Kenya’s services sector, which contributes 61% of GDP, is dominated by tourism. The tourism sector has exhibited steady growth in most years since independence and by the late 1980s had become the country’s principal source of foreign exchange. Tourists, the largest number being from Germany and the United Kingdom, are attracted mainly to the coastal beaches and the game reserves, notably, the expansive East and Tsavo West National Park 20,808 square kilometres (8,034 sq mi) in the southeast.
1. When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?
When meeting someone, a common greeting is a handshake. Alternatively, those who know one another well may choose to hug.
2. What languages are spoken in your country?
English and Kiswahili are the official languages. Many Kenyans speak three languages – the aforementioned two, plus their mother tongue. There are a total of 69 languages spoken in Kenya.
3. Do you use a twelve hour clock, or a twenty-four hour clock?
We use a 12-hour clock.
4. What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in Kenya?
We drive on the left side of the road. While drivers tend to oblige by the rules, public transit, such as buses and taxis, will refuse to give way to others on the road. Kenya’s railway system links the nation’s ports and major cities, connecting it with neighboring Uganda.
5. How important is punctuality?
Punctuality is not of utmost importance in Kenya, with many people often running late and blaming traffic.
6. Which types of music are popular? Who are some of your most popular musicians?
Kenya has no single prominent culture that identifies it. It instead consists of the various cultures of the country’s different communities.
Kenya is home to a diverse range of music styles, ranging from imported popular music, afro-fusion and benga music to traditional folk songs. The guitar is the most popular instrument in Kenyan music, and songs often feature intricate guitar rhythms. Popular musicians/music groups include Sauti Sol, Willy Paul, Size 8, and Nameless.
For a taste of Kenyan music, listen to Sauti Sol’s Melanin and Nameless’ Inspire.
7. Are there any Traditional Dances?
Yes, there are numerous. The Maasai community in Kenya celebrates several unique traditional ceremonies, one of which is the Eunoto. The ceremony is performed by members of the same age group 10 years after they are initiated in to adulthood. The ceremony is marked by a unique Maasai traditional dance called “Adumu.”
Mwomboko dance is one of the most common traditional dances among the Agikuyu people, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. The dance is usually performed during historic events, such as Madaraka Day, which commemorates the day Kenya gained internal self-rule from the British colonizers.
Isikuti is a popular traditional dance practiced by the Isukha and Idakho clans of the larger Luhya community. It’s a fast-paced and energetic dance, involving both men and women. The dance is characterized by the vigorous shaking of the shoulders and waist and rhythmic stamping of the feet.
For an example of Kenyan dancing, click here.
8. What traditional Festivals are celebrated in your community?
Every year Lamu comes to life during the Lamu Cultural Festival, as Kenyans come together to celebrate both the past, future, the beliefs and traditions that are the heart and soul of this community in the lovely enchanting island of Lamu. An ancient Swahili township, Lamu is a World Heritage site and the cultural festival offers an insight of how life in the old days was in terms of architecture and lifestyle.
The event is usually held annually in November, with exciting activities such as traditional Swahili poetry, henna painting, donkey races and dhow sailing, culminating with a traditional Swahili wedding and a chance to enjoy various Swahili dishes.
The Lake Turkana Festival is usually held around May, and features unique performances and demonstrations of ten different ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region. With traditional dances and a chance to taste various foods from these communities as well as being able to visit their unique huts and get a taste to experience life in Loiyangani in Northern Kenya.
The presentation of the customs and living conditions of the ten tribes, their spectacular traditional costumes arts and crafts, dances and music is a fascinating experience that leaves one with a positive perception of the Lake Turkana region.
9. What are your seasons like?
Kenya’s climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland to arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. The area receives a great deal of sunshine every month, and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning inland at higher elevations.
The “long rains” season occurs from March/April to May/June. The “short rains” season occurs from October to November/December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The temperature remains high throughout these months of tropical rain. The hottest period is February and March, leading into the season of the long rains, and the coldest is in July, until mid August.
10. Tell us an interesting fact about your President?
President Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, and his fourth wife Mama Ngina Kenyatta. His given name “Uhuru” is from the Swahili term for “freedom”, and was given to him in anticipation of Kenya’s upcoming independence.
11. What are the country’s major industries?
Major industries in Kenya include the service industry, dominated by tourism, as well as agriculture. The principal cash crops are tea, horticultural produce, and coffee.
12. How do people spend their free time?
Many Kenyans enjoy spending time with their family. Kenya is active in several sports, among them cricket, rallying, football, rugby union and boxing. The country is known chiefly for its dominance in middle-distance and long-distance athletics. Many may choose to spectate during events. Kenya is also home to a wide variety of food outlets to spend time in.
13. What do people drink?
Tea and beer are popular among Kenyans.
14. What is a popular local dish?
Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a favourite way of preparing and eating meat in Kenya, especially when celebrating events. Chicken, beef, and goat are commonly used. Ugali (maize meal) is a basic staple – a type of porridge, often served with salad.
15. What do you pay for? (1 USD = approx. Ksh 101)
- Milk: sold in packets, between Ksh 50 and 60
- Coca cola: between Ksh 35 and 100, depending on location
- Cup of coffee: between Ksh 100 and 250, depending on location
- 2 Course meal: about Ksh 1800 t0 2500
- Glass of wine: between Ksh 250 and 450
- Loaf of bread: between Ksh 50 and 100
16. General Safety?
- Don’t use your phone in traffic with your windows open.
- Don’t leave valuables on display in your car.
- Take care walking around after dark.
17. In conclusion, famous (and sometimes infamous) people from Kenya include:
- Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is identified as one of the leading forces behind the democratization process of Kenya, particularly during the repressive regime of President Daniel arap Moi.
- Former Prime Minister and former President Jomo Kenyatta, who was the country’s first black head of government and played a significant role in the transformation of Kenya from a colony of the British Empire into an independent republic.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4]. Image source: [1].
Trinidad and Tobago’s First Female President Takes Office
Paula Mae Weekes has been sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female President, after being elected by the island nation’s Electoral College in January 2018.
Chief of Justice Ivor Archie swore Weeks in at a ceremony at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port Spain. A retired judge from the Appeal Court, Paula Mae Weekes was the only presidential nominee proposed by the government.
Weekes graduated from law school and has a remarkable career in both public and private spheres. She was called to the Bar in 1982 and she served the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for 11 years.
In 1996 she became a judge at the Criminal Division of Trinidad’s High Court before being promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2005. She was then sworn-in as Justice of Appeal in the Turks and Caicos Islands for three years. She was also Chancellor of the Anglican Church, where she oversaw all finances.
Mayor of the town of Arima, Lisa Morris Julian, says she feels proud to welcome a female Commander in Chief of the armed forces. In a statement issued on Monday, Mayor Morris-Julian says she was impressed by the President’s track record as a trailblazer for women who hold executive posts.
She says the entire Arima Borough Council remains inspired by the President’s moving inauguration speech which encouraged nation building. She also expressed gratitude for the President’s call for citizens to get personally involved in their community’s development.
She made the comment as she said the President recognizes that leaders require the full support of citizens in the fight against negative social issues.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad’s Opposition Party leader, was thrilled about the Weekes’ inauguration, saying the country is now ahead of the United States (which has still not elected a female President).
In Trinidad, the president is the head of state and is responsible for approving bills before they become law, for “casting an eye on the operations and behavior of the Government,” as well as being the head of the armed forces.
Despite making history, Weekes is taking office at a challenging time for the nation, known best for its Carnival and for robust oil and natural gas exports. She replaces Anthony Carmona who leaves behind an extremely high murder rate — nearly 400 people in Trinidad have been victims of homicide in in 2017, according to the Trinidad Guardian. She’ll also have to take on an increasing unemployment rate, which rose to 5.3 percent in the second quarter of 2017, Trading Economics reported.
In her inaugural speech, she pledged to take on these and other problems head on.
Shortly after being elected, Weekes admitted she felt “completely terrified” about the idea of being president. “I can tell you that apart from feeling honored and humbled, I felt completely terrified. And that terror has not yet abated,” Weekes said.
Most of the president’s actions in Trinidad and Tobago are implemented in accordance with the advice of the cabinet, the prime minister or the leader of the opposition. Among her constitutional mandates is to appoint the nation’s senators: 16 according to the prime minister’s advice, six based on the opposition’s advice, and nine at her own discretion.
Trinidad and Tobago has a parliamentary system in which the president is elected by an Electoral College, consisting of members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
With Weekes’ inauguration, Trinidad and Tobago becomes the only republic in Latin America and the Caribbean to have a woman head of state after Chile’s Michelle Bachelet left office on March 11.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image source: [1].
From The Hippo’s Ears: Kenya
Contributions by Rose.
Facts you may not have know about Kenya:
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country in east Africa. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya has a population of approximately 49 million, and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963, after which it became a republic in 1964.
Kenya is the biggest and most advanced economy in east and central Africa, and is often classified as a frontier market. The economy has seen much expansion, seen by strong performance in tourism, higher education, and telecommunications.
Today, Kenya’s services sector, which contributes 61% of GDP, is dominated by tourism. The tourism sector has exhibited steady growth in most years since independence and by the late 1980s had become the country’s principal source of foreign exchange. Tourists, the largest number being from Germany and the United Kingdom, are attracted mainly to the coastal beaches and the game reserves, notably, the expansive East and Tsavo West National Park 20,808 square kilometres (8,034 sq mi) in the southeast.
1. When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?
When meeting someone, a common greeting is a handshake. Alternatively, those who know one another well may choose to hug.
2. What languages are spoken in your country?
English and Kiswahili are the official languages. Many Kenyans speak three languages – the aforementioned two, plus their mother tongue. There are a total of 69 languages spoken in Kenya.
3. Do you use a twelve hour clock, or a twenty-four hour clock?
We use a 12-hour clock.
4. What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in Kenya?
We drive on the left side of the road. While drivers tend to oblige by the rules, public transit, such as buses and taxis, will refuse to give way to others on the road. Kenya’s railway system links the nation’s ports and major cities, connecting it with neighboring Uganda.
5. How important is punctuality?
Punctuality is not of utmost importance in Kenya, with many people often running late and blaming traffic.
6. Which types of music are popular? Who are some of your most popular musicians?
Kenya has no single prominent culture that identifies it. It instead consists of the various cultures of the country’s different communities.
Kenya is home to a diverse range of music styles, ranging from imported popular music, afro-fusion and benga music to traditional folk songs. The guitar is the most popular instrument in Kenyan music, and songs often feature intricate guitar rhythms. Popular musicians/music groups include Sauti Sol, Willy Paul, Size 8, and Nameless.
For a taste of Kenyan music, listen to Sauti Sol’s Melanin and Nameless’ Inspire.
7. Are there any Traditional Dances?
Yes, there are numerous. The Maasai community in Kenya celebrates several unique traditional ceremonies, one of which is the Eunoto. The ceremony is performed by members of the same age group 10 years after they are initiated in to adulthood. The ceremony is marked by a unique Maasai traditional dance called “Adumu.”
Mwomboko dance is one of the most common traditional dances among the Agikuyu people, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. The dance is usually performed during historic events, such as Madaraka Day, which commemorates the day Kenya gained internal self-rule from the British colonizers.
Isikuti is a popular traditional dance practiced by the Isukha and Idakho clans of the larger Luhya community. It’s a fast-paced and energetic dance, involving both men and women. The dance is characterized by the vigorous shaking of the shoulders and waist and rhythmic stamping of the feet.
For an example of Kenyan dancing, click here.
8. What traditional Festivals are celebrated in your community?
Every year Lamu comes to life during the Lamu Cultural Festival, as Kenyans come together to celebrate both the past, future, the beliefs and traditions that are the heart and soul of this community in the lovely enchanting island of Lamu. An ancient Swahili township, Lamu is a World Heritage site and the cultural festival offers an insight of how life in the old days was in terms of architecture and lifestyle.
The event is usually held annually in November, with exciting activities such as traditional Swahili poetry, henna painting, donkey races and dhow sailing, culminating with a traditional Swahili wedding and a chance to enjoy various Swahili dishes.
The Lake Turkana Festival is usually held around May, and features unique performances and demonstrations of ten different ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region. With traditional dances and a chance to taste various foods from these communities as well as being able to visit their unique huts and get a taste to experience life in Loiyangani in Northern Kenya.
The presentation of the customs and living conditions of the ten tribes, their spectacular traditional costumes arts and crafts, dances and music is a fascinating experience that leaves one with a positive perception of the Lake Turkana region.
9. What are your seasons like?
Kenya’s climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland to arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. The area receives a great deal of sunshine every month, and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning inland at higher elevations.
The “long rains” season occurs from March/April to May/June. The “short rains” season occurs from October to November/December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The temperature remains high throughout these months of tropical rain. The hottest period is February and March, leading into the season of the long rains, and the coldest is in July, until mid August.
10. Tell us an interesting fact about your President?
President Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, and his fourth wife Mama Ngina Kenyatta. His given name “Uhuru” is from the Swahili term for “freedom”, and was given to him in anticipation of Kenya’s upcoming independence.
11. What are the country’s major industries?
Major industries in Kenya include the service industry, dominated by tourism, as well as agriculture. The principal cash crops are tea, horticultural produce, and coffee.
12. How do people spend their free time?
Many Kenyans enjoy spending time with their family. Kenya is active in several sports, among them cricket, rallying, football, rugby union and boxing. The country is known chiefly for its dominance in middle-distance and long-distance athletics. Many may choose to spectate during events. Kenya is also home to a wide variety of food outlets to spend time in.
13. What do people drink?
Tea and beer are popular among Kenyans.
14. What is a popular local dish?
Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a favourite way of preparing and eating meat in Kenya, especially when celebrating events. Chicken, beef, and goat are commonly used. Ugali (maize meal) is a basic staple – a type of porridge, often served with salad.
15. What do you pay for? (1 USD = approx. Ksh 101)
16. General Safety?
17. In conclusion, famous (and sometimes infamous) people from Kenya include:
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4]. Image source: [1].
North Korea and China’s Secret Meeting
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made his first foreign trip since assuming power in 2011, meeting China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussing giving up the country’s nuclear weapons, according to Chinese state media.
Kim, who made the surprise trip to the Chinese capital at Beijing’s request, said he felt compelled to personally inform President Xi of the rapid diplomatic developments on the Korean Peninsula in recent weeks, Xinhua reported.
The visit represents stunning shift for Kim, who appears to be fashioning himself as a leader in search of a peaceful solution to the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. It’s in sharp contrast to 2017, when Kim oversaw a string of missile and nuclear tests that drew the ire of the international community.
Kim’s trip was the first of three potential meetings with some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
Kim is set to attend a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in next month, and will later meet US President Donald Trump, in what would be an historic first encounter between a sitting US President and a North Korean leader.
Trump tweeted Wednesday that Xi told him his meeting with Kim went “very well.” The US President added he was optimistic Kim will “do what is right for his people and for humanity. Look forward to our meeting!”
Key points:
North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, left, and China’s President Xi Jinping, right, are seen at a banquet in this photo released by North Korean state media.
Analysts said the visit was a courtesy call aimed at shoring up Pyongyang’s ties with China, a traditional ally and major trading partner. Leaders from the two countries haven’t met since 2011, with ties souring after Kim purged some of Beijing’s allies in North Korea and the isolated nation relentlessly pursued its development of nuclear weapons.
Kim called for a “new era” in bilateral relations in a letter to Xi published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which also reported that Xi had accepted an invitation to visit North Korea “at a convenient time.” The acceptance of the invitation was not reported by Chinese state media although Xinhua said that Xi would keep in frequent contact, which could include exchange of visits.
“In this spring full of happiness and hopes, I believe my first meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping will yield abundant fruits of DPRK-China friendship, and facilitate peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” said Kim, referring to Xi by his title as leader of the Chinese Communist Party.
North Korean state media made no mention of nuclear weapons in its coverage of the meeting.
Xi said Beijing is willing to work with North Korea to “promote long-term healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations, benefit the two countries and two peoples, and make new contribution to regional peace, stability and development.”
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Source: CNN [1]. Image sources: [1].
Plant Dome Planned for Cape Town CBD
Luthuli Plaza, in Cape Town’s CBD, is set to undergo a significant redesign at the hands of LOLA Architects and Design Indaba.
The plaza, named after South African Nobel Peace Prize winning struggle stalwart, Albert Luthuli, was built as a way of connecting the transport hub where people catch taxis, trains and busses to the Artscape precinct. But now the Luthuli Plaza stands gray and mostly unused.
Rotterdam-based landscape architect Peter Veenstra, in collaboration with bamboo builder Olav Bruin of Nomadic Resorts, is planning to revamp the plaza. The redesign will include an urban public garden that starts at the Cape Town taxi rank and ends at the Artscape Theatre. A Dome of Plants will form a centerpiece of the garden.
The dome is intended to serve as a beacon of sustainable design for the city, and be a functional venue where public forums, lectures, and performances can take place.
It will be constructed with natural materials such as bamboo, wood and fynbos plants like Spekboom which is known for its hardiness and ability to convert carbon dioxide into clean oxygen. Cape Town is in a water crisis, and Veenstra says the dome will be fed by purified urine from the bureaucrats working in the Cape Town Civic Centre building, right behind the dome’s proposed location.
Inside this vegetated shelter, there will be 175 square meters of indoor space, complete with amphitheatre-style seating, stage and podium. Together they offer space for discussions, events, workshops, exhibitions, meetings, lunch and a quick coffee outside the big institutions, accessible for everyone.
It is an attractive venue that can contribute to the cultural life of Cape Town. At night, the site will transform, casting a soft green glow on Luthuli Plaza. The designers aim to revitalize this part of Cape Town and bestow it with a meaningful purpose for citizens to enjoy throughout the year.
For more information on and pictures of the project, click here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image sources: Design Indaba [1], [2].