Kenya

I

Introduction

Kenya, republic in Africa, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, bounded on the north by Sudan and Ethiopia, on the east by Somalia and the Indian Ocean, on the south by Tanzania, and on the west by Lake Victoria and Uganda. Kenya has an area of 582,646 sq km (224,961 sq mi). The capital city is Nairobi.

II

Land and Resources

Kenya falls into several well-defined topographical zones extending from the Indian Ocean coast upward to lofty mountain ranges reaching more than 3,048 m (10,000 ft) above sea level. From low coastal plains the terrain rises gradually to a broad, arid plateau that covers much of the north and east. In the central area there are great volcanic mountain chains, of which the principal peak is Mount Kenya (5,199 m/17,058 ft). Further west, the immense depression of the Rift Valley is demarcated by a succession of steep cliffs.

A

Rivers and Lakes

The chief rivers of Kenya are the T’ana and Galana (known as the Athi in its upper course). Kenya contains almost all of Lake Turkana (Lake Rudolf) and a small portion of Lake Victoria.

B

Climate

Kenya is divided by the equator into two almost equal parts. The region north of the equator is hot and receives comparatively little rain. The southern region falls into three zones. The coast is humid, with a mean annual temperature ranging from about 24.4° C (76° F) in June and July to about 27.8° C (82° F) in February, March, and April; the highlands are relatively temperate; and the Lake Victoria region is tropical. The rainy seasons occur from October to December and from April to June.