Articles

Overview

Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It is a medium-sized country by continental standards, covering an area of about 586,600km sq. Inland water bodies cover some 10,700km sq, the bulk of this in Lakes Victoria and Turkana. 

Kenya has tremendous topographical diversity, including glaciated mountains with snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with its scarps and volcanoes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets. 

Kenya was formerly a British colony and gained independence on December 12, 1963 Deemed the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ as some of the remnants of the earliest man have been found here Kenya is famous for its abundance and variety of wildlife.

Form of Government

Kenya is a Republic. the head of state is the President who is elected every five years. The President is eligible for a second term.

Government structure

Head of State is the President, Vice-President; appointed by the President, Prime Minister; constitutionally charged with coordinating government business and the Cabinet which is appointed by the President and headed by the Prime Minister.

The country has a population size of 43,013,341 (2012) with GDP per capita of $882.

Economy

Kenya is gradually recovering from the impact of multiple domestic and external shocks, which affected economic performance and dampened gains from strong economic growth and recovery last year. The World Bank projects a higher growth rate of 5% in 2012, up from 4.3% in 2011. The economy grew by an estimated 4.3% in 2011, lower than 5.6% in 2010. The past year was challenging in many respects, but growth remained higher than the long-term average of 3.7%. 

Kenya’s export potential in globally competitive sectors (tea, horticulture and tourism) remains high but prospects for sustained economic recovery and macroeconomic stability are in new activities such as light manufacturing, where opportunities arise as emerging Asian economies mature from these sectors. Reliable and clean energy, especially from geothermal sources, is essential to drive growth and reduce the import bill. Long term investment in other infrastructure (transport, water and telecommunications), quality health care and education, and reducing the risk of fraud and corruption, are also critical to building a strong foundation for growth, job creation and equity.