9 Lesser-Known Facts about Kenya | Day 23/30

One more prompt about my country and I might just… 

Full disclosure, I was to skip today’s prompt, which felt like the dreaded day 10 prompt. But I rolled up my sleeves last minute like the typical Kenyan that I am to give you 9 facts you may not know about Kenya. 

And no, it’s not about the Big 5 or winning secrets from our gifted runners. 

1. Kenya was officially named in 1920. Before that, it was known as the British East Africa Protectorate or British East Africa. 

2. History has it that Kenya’s name was coined from the Kamba language pronunciation of Mt Kenya’s traditional name, Kirinyaga, and Kinyaa. Others believe the name Kenya came from Kirinyaga, which means a place with white spots. 

Image Credit: multiculturalkidblogs

3. Considered the cradle of mankind, the bones of one of the earliest human ancestors ever found were discovered in Kenya. 

4. Nairobi (land of cool waters) was, in fact, a swamp and was never meant to be a city.

5. Despite it being one of the largest producers and exporters of high-end coffee, Kenyans prefer taking tea instead. 

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6. Meanwhile, Kenya is the largest exporter of roses. CNN will make sure to remind you that every Valentines Day. 

7. Our First President, the late Jomo Kenyatta changed his name five times. Born as Kamau wa Muigai (Kamau son of Muigai), he was named Kamau wa Ngengi when his Uncle took him in. Later baptized to Johnstone Kamau wa Ngengi. Around 1928, he dropped his second and third name and became Johnstone Kenyatta due to his fascination with a beaded Maasai belt known as ‘Kinyatta‘. While developing his thesis on Kikuyu Customary Law titled Facing Mt. Kenya he was advised to adopt a more ‘authentic persona’ given he was to appear on the cover in full Kikuyu customary attire. Behold, Jomo Kenyatta was adopted. 

He is said to have ridden on Mau Mau’s name to consolidate power. His assertions that he was at the centre of the rebellion and violent struggle that landed him in prison for many years for his people were apparently not true. 

8. Queen Elizabeth technically became Queen of England while on a visit to Kenya.

9. The Worldwide broadband speed league 2018 report shows Kenya has the second fastest internet in Africa after Madagascar and is ranked 22^nd globally.