Our first day in Nairobi was an absolutely incredible experience. We went to the National Museum, a giraffe center and a woman’s co-op. Such a wide diversity of activities.

The museum also had a reptile center.

Kenya’s earliest history is characterized by different groups of people and can be traced to man’s physical and cultural development as shown by archaeological evidence. There are three phases to Kenya’s history: pre-colonial Kenya, period of colonial rule and independent Kenya. Historical events, such as the building of the Kenya Uganda railway, land alienation, and the two world wars shape lives of the people of Kenya. Harsh colonial treatment led to the hunger for freedom, nationalism, and the arm struggle which eventually brought an end to colonial rule. Kenya celebrated its independence on 12th December, 1963 and the new government started running the affairs of the independent state. Its people continue to make strides in national development. A new constitution was written in 2010 specifying the rights of individuals, especially gender parity. After the end of British rule, the government took over British land, and unfortunately re-distributed it unequitably. Land ownership in Kenya remains a sensitive issue.

Since Kenya is made up of many different, cultural groups, the idea of the state of Kenya didn’t develop until the British rule. 

 The majority of Kenyans are Christian. There are also large populations of Hindu and Muslim. Kenya has a small Jewish population and there actually is a synagogue in Nairobi. 

Our third adventure for the day was the Kobe women’s cooperative. Here women make beautiful ceramic beads. We participated in making a bead. I also joined in the dancing. Everybody here was just so friendly and helpful.

Just a great day