Field Research (Kenya) Word

A.
Geographical Location
Kenya is a country in East Africa with coastline on the Indian Ocean. It
encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain
highlands. It's also home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. From Nairobi, the
capital, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest
migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania's 5,895m Mt.
Kilimanjaro.
B. People
Kenya is made up of a rich and mosaic of different people each representing
unique cultures which brought together add up to the overall vibrancy of the country.
The country has a total of 42 officially recognized tribes. Each of these tribes has their
own unique language, cultural practices, staple food, style of dress, dance, music and
instruments. However, Kenyans are united by two official languages: English and
Kiswahili.
C. Economy/ Means of Living

Kenya’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. The farmer’s main crops
are corn, millet, sweet potatoes, and fruits; such as bananas, oranges, and mangoes. In
addition, Kenya is a leading exporter of Tea and Coffee. They are also good at the fields
of mechanics, small crafts, and construction.
D. Language
Kenya is a multilingual country. Although the official languages are Swahili and
English, there are actually a total of 62 languages spoken in the country. These mainly
consist of tribal African languages as well as a minority of Middle-Eastern and Asian
languages spoken by descendants of foreign settlers. The African languages come from
three different language families - Bantu languages (spoken in the center and
southeast), Nilotic languages (in the west), and Cushitic languages (in the northeast).
E. Culture
1. Practices
a. greetings/ gestures in communicating with others
 The most common greeting among those who speak Swahili is
‘Hujambo’ (‘Hello’) or the more colloquial greeting of ‘Jambo’. Both
greetings can be responded with the phrase ‘sijambo’, which means ‘I
am well’.
 When Kenyans greet one another, they will often inquire about each
other’s family and well-being.
 The most typical gesture when greeting is a handshake. It is expected
that one shakes the hands of everyone present. For example, if you
enter a room with ten people, it is common that you would take the
time to greet each by verbally greeting them and shaking their hand.
 Men may greet other men with a handshake and a hug if they have a
close friendship
 Between women, a handshake is appropriate in most social situations.
However, good friends and family will often exchange a hug and a light
kiss on the cheek.
b. ways of showing respect to elders, strangers
 Supporting the right forearm with the left hand while shaking
demonstrates respect for an elder or someone of higher social status.
Verbal greetings are usually said before the handshake.
 For anybody around the age of forty and above, the term ‘mzee’ (‘older
man’ or ‘elder’) is used. This term signifies respect for the person, their
wisdom and experience as an elder.
c. Courtship, marriage, and other important events.
 Payment of bride-price is an age-old tradition in African societies that
is used to demonstrate the groom’s worthiness as a suitor, and
indicate that he is capable of adequately providing for his bride.
Different the tribes in Kenya have unique customs. Among the Kikuyu
for example, grooms used to pay a dowry with cows, goats, honey,
green bananas, traditional brews, etc., although, modern-day Kikuyus
pay the dowry in cash. The groom and his family pay all the expenses
related to the dowry and the dowry itself.
 Among the Kikuyu, the first visit by the groom’s family is an official
visit called kumenya mucii. This is followed by another visit called
kuhanda ithigi, the day on which the groom declares his intentions.
Traditionally, these were done on different dates but now they are
combined to save time.
d. work ethics
 Governance Ethics and Business
2. Signs and Symbols
 The Kenyan flag has three horizontal stripes—red, black, and green—
separated by thin white bands. The black symbolizes the people of
Kenya, the red stands for the blood shed in the fight for independence,
and the green symbolizes agriculture. In the center of the flag is a red
shield with black and white markings and two crossed spears, which
stands for vigilance in the defense of freedom.
3. Costumes
 Khanga
 The Masaiare dress consists of usually red kanga and a lot of
bright decorations: necklaces, bracelets, and bead
headdresses. Masai men wear a red-checked Shuka (it is a
classic Masai blanket) and carry a distinctive ball-ended club.
 Kitenge
 Kitenge is very colorful and bright, so it is popular not only in
Kenya but in many other African countries. This dress is not
considered to be an official Kenyan clothing, but it is widely
popular in this country. People often wear kitenge in ordinary
life, for ceremonies and non-official events.
4. Historical Places
 Gedi Ruins, Malindi
 Once a thriving community featuring advanced architecture, its
ruins now stand defiant against the years serving as testimony
to the greatness that once was. Catch a glimpse through the
ages with a visit to this coastal time capsule and official
UNESCO World Heritage site.
 Shimoni Slave Caves, Kwale
 The Shimoni slave caves are among the last reminders of the
grim reality of slave trade in East Africa. Once a hiding place for
locals on the run from slave hunters, the caves were repurposed
by Arab slave traders as holding pens where the unfortunate
would be held for two to three weeks before being shipped to
Zanzibar. Get a sobering look at part of Africa’s dark history
during your visit to Kenya, in Kwale.
 Hell’s Gate National park, Naivasha

 ell’s Gate National Park is home to a variety of unique fauna,
flora and geological features, ranging from stunning obsidian
caves cut in glassy black rock to the Lower Gorge. Between
Fischer Tower, shrouded in local mythology and natural hot
springs and geysers, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

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C. Economy/ Means of Living

 Hell’s Gate National park, Naivasha

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