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.

C.

Natural Resources

Kenya’s main resource is its land, of which about 11 per cent is suitable for agriculture. About one third of this is arable; the remainder is used mainly for grazing. The northern region, covering two thirds of Kenya, is mostly desert or semi-desert.

D.

Plants and Animals

The plant life of Kenya is diverse. Along the coast are forests containing palm, mangrove, teak, copal, and sandalwood trees. Forests of baobab, euphorbia (see Spurge), and acacia trees cover the lowlands to an elevation of approximately 915 m (3,000 ft). Extensive tracts of savannah (grassland), interspersed with groves of acacia and papyrus, characterize the terrain from about 915 to 2,745 m (3,000 to 9,000 ft). The principal species in the dense rainforest of the eastern and south-eastern mountain slopes are camphor and bamboo. The alpine zone (above about 3,550 m/11,000 ft) contains large plants of the Senecio and Lobelia genera.

Kenya is renowned for the great variety of its wildlife, especially the big game animals associated with the African savannah. The major species are elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, giraffe, lion, and other large cats. Many of these are protected in national parks and game reserves, but poaching has severely reduced the number of large mammals, such as the elephant and rhinoceros. Kenya abounds in birds and reptiles, the latter including the python and cobra.

E.

Environmental Concerns

With one of the highest population growth rates in the world, Kenya has an increasing need for firewood and agricultural land. Only about 7 per cent (1997) of the land is arable, although some of the most productive farming in Africa takes place in the Kenyan Highlands. Increased use of pesticides and fertilizers has led to significant water pollution. Soil erosion and desertification occur in some areas. Deforestation is a major problem, but about 10 million trees have been planted over the past two decades with the help of private groups and tree nursery programmes. About 2.3 per cent (1995) of the country consists of woodlands, although only about 3 per cent is covered with natural moist forest. Water contamination is a serious problem—only about 30 per cent (1990-1998) of the rural population has access to safe drinking water.

Kenya is perhaps best known for its game parks, which attract large numbers of tourists and revenue. Conservation of wildlife within reserves has thus received high priority. Currently, nearly 12 per cent (1992) of the total land is classified as parks, game reserves, and other managed areas, although only 6.2 per cent (1997) is strictly protected. At least 32 endemic species are also endangered. Threatened habitats include the slopes of Mount Kenya and coastal forests. Efforts are under way to restore the endangered African elephant and black rhino populations, and an aggressive campaign has been waged against poachers. Five biosphere reserves have been recognized under the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program. Kenya has ratified international agreements on biodiversity, climate change, endangered species, marine dumping, marine life conservation, ozone layer, ship pollution, and wetlands. Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2004. She is the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an organization that has planted 30 million trees in Africa to help stem forest loss.