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Kenya Culture

Kenya's modern culture is a rich mixture of old and new influences, from within and outside this East African country. Perhaps the most striking of Kenya’s character is the merging of traditional and modern society in peaceful co-existence.
 

Although the Maasai tribe and culture is perhaps Kenya’s most notable cultural feature, it is by no means all that comprises the Kenyan culture. The distinct West African, English colonial and Muslim influence are clearly evident in the people of this country, their customs and their way of life. To be noted about Kenya is its tenacity in holding on to tradition and customs despite their acceptance and adaptations to outside cultural influences.
 

A great deal of significance within Kenya's culture is drawn from music and dance, as with most African cultures, and is most common at rituals (particularly amongst the nomadic Maa speaking tribes). Singing and dancing is usually made up of chanting, beating drums and an awe inspiring dance done by the Maasai warriors that is meant to display their strength and fierce demeanour. Another popular type of music is Taarab which is of Swahili origin. It is a combination of African percussion and Arabic rhythm and has evolved to suit modern day tastes and trends.
 

Art has always been a prime feature of Kenyan culture and this is apparent in their colourful and intricate offerings of jewellrey, cloth, as well as visible evidence in ancient rock art and cave paintings - reflecting a bygone era. 
Kenyans are highly decorative and will incorporate elaborate adornments on everyday objects, from water gourds, to elaborate hairstyles and personal jewellrey.
 

The Samburu tribe for example place high esteem on complex hairstyles and ochre paint for their bodies and as such are often referred to as the Samburu Butterflies. The northern nomadic tribes are more inclined towards decorating functional objects like water gourds, chairs and traditional African neck pillows. The Maasai are distinctive in their colourful beaded and copper jewellrey, using the beads to signify social status and the various stages of initiation.
 

Another significant aspect of Kenyan culture is wood carving. Kenyans are known to be very skillful and the Kenyan wood sculptors, particularly from the coastal Bajun tribe have incorporating an interesting Arabic influence into their masterpieces. To the west of Kenya, the Kisii are reputed for their soap stone sculptures and produce a combination of traditional and modern pieces.
 

On a literary note, Kenya has a wealth of academic scholars and writers who depict Kenyan society and its character aptly, with captivating charm. Renowned Kenyan literary scholar and writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o is well known for writing books such as Weep not Child and A Grain of Wheat. These are some of Kenya’s proudest exports. In line with Kenya’s reputation for being a bohemian haven, Kenya has inspired books such as West with the Night by Beryl Markham and A Tourist in Africa by Evelyn Waugh.