KENYAN NATIONAL DINNER PHOTO GALLERY-2011/2012

As a Scholar from Kenya, I was thrilled and really excited to showcase my culture through music, history and food. During the Kenyan National dinner we cooked and served  traditional foods from delicious pilau, which is a coastal dish in Kenya to Samosas which have become part of our cultural food especially after the Indians settled in our country. It is amazing to see how many people know or identify themselves with Kenya, Charlotte a fellow scholar also lived in Kenya while working with Free the Children and shared her experiences with us. As an African and a Kenyan, I feel honored to have participated in the Sauve Scholars program. I was also amazed and fascinated by learning about different cultures. My Chinese fellow Scholar has taught me how to eat with chop sticks while Dechen from Bhutan has taught me a Love song in Dzongkha, a tune that I carry with me in Kenya. Mohammed Shaban has shared with me the torments of his people through videos and rich conversations which have increased my understanding on the Middle-East conflict. Anyway, the list is endless. Anyway, let me share with you some basic facts about a country where I was born, a country where I want to make a change.

Some Basic Facts about Kenya:

Kenya is Africa's most popular safari destination and its capital Nairobi's East Africa's economic hub. Kenya has a decent tourist infrastructure and lots of resorts along its coastline. It's a testament to the country's many natural attractions that tourists continue to visit despite being under the official Travel Warning list in several countries including the US.

Location: Kenya is located in Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania, see map.
Area: 582,650 sq km, (slightly more than twice the size of Nevada or similar in size to France).
Capital City: Nairobi
Population: Around 32 million people live in Kenya Language: English (official), Kiswahili (official), as well as numerous indigenous languages.
Religion: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2%. A large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely.
Climate: It's generally sunny, dry and not too hot for most of the year in Kenya despite being situated on the equator. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December but the amount of rainfall varies year to year -- more details on Kenya's climate.
When to Go: January - March and July - October for safaris and beaches, February and August to climb Mount Kenya. More about "Best time to visit Kenya"...
Currency: Kenyan Shilling, click here for a currency converter.

Kenya's Main Attractions:

• Masai Mara Game Reserve: The Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. From July - October you can witness the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. The Maasai tribesman also offer cultural tours which really add to the experience. More about Kenya's other excellent wildlife parks and reserves ...
• Mount Kenya: Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest peak and like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, you don't need special training to reach Point Lenana, one of its highest peaks. The area is home to rare species of animals as well as spectacular lakes, mineral springs and forests.

Lamu: Lamu is one of Kenya's oldest towns, settled by the Swahili about 700 years ago. More recently discovered by backpackers, Lamu is a great place to unwind and wash off the dirt and grime accumulated from some hard traveling. No matatus or mini-buses here, just donkeys and the sound of the ocean waves.

Esmael Omar        esmael.njuguna@sauvescholars.org