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Kenya Culture and traditions Kenya

Area : 86517  sq.mi - Population 39002772 hab.
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Culture and traditions Kenya

 Traditions and customs

Ethnically, Kenya is historically an exceptional country, which is comprised of people from all parts of the continent. These multiple ethnic groups cohabited peacefully until colonisation, choosing to be friends rather than enemies. The traditions of each group are still alive in the countryside. This could be seen as a good thing if it wasn't for certain practices concerning women. Female circumcision is still practised among the Kikuyus and some northern tribes.
The coastal population is predominantly Muslim, it is thus advisable to wear appropriate garments and to not go swimming naked. In the city, women are advised to cover their arms and shoulders with a shawl.

 To read, see, listen

guide
Kenya, Lonely Planet Country Guide, by M Firestone (2009)
The Rough Guide to Kenya by R Trillo (2010)
Traveller's Guide - Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by D Hosking and M Withers (2007)

books
Mama Panya's Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya by M Chamberlin, R Chamberlin and J Cairns (2006)
It's Our Turn to Eat: The Story of a Kenyan Whistleblower by M Wrong (2010)
Kenya: A Country in the Making 1880 - 1940 by N Pavitt (2008)
Just Another Mzungu Passing Through by J Bowen (2008)

movies "Out of Africa" by Sydney Pollack.
"Gorillas In The Mist" by Michael Apted.
"Masai, The Rain Warriors" by Pascal Plisson.
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Henry Ling, adapted from Hemingway's book.
"Mogambo" by John Ford.
"White Mischief" by Michael Radford.
"White Hunters Black Heart" by Clint Eastwood.
"Africa Queen", "The Roots of Heaven" by John Huston.

"The Last Safari" by Henry Hathaway.
"Something of Value" by Richard Brooks.
"King Solomon's Mines" by Compton Bennett.
music
Music is an important part of Kenyan life. Percussion is common to all ethnic traditional music and rhythm and dance are essential. Music of the lakes is called "benga" and music of the coast is rooted in Swahili culture. Contemporary music is an excellent hybrid of these two cultures. Each region has its personal style and dances accompany the musical performances.