Kenya, in East Africa, is a natural draw for tourists, promising the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Five’ on safari, explore the Great Rift Valley or relax among turquoise waters on white-sanded beaches. Yet poverty persists, and Kenya is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
The main hazards facing Kenya are floods, epidemics, droughts and, more recently, conflict. Poor and erratic rain patterns are the main causes of food insecurity. Greater extremes of weather are expected as the climate changes.
Some 80 per cent of the population live in rural areas, though the capital Nairobi has some of the largest slums in Africa.
Kenya has been largely stable since its independence from Britain in 1963. Violence erupted in 2007 around the national elections, which highlighted ethnic tensions.
A multi-ethnic nation, Kenya is composed of 42 major tribes, divided into three main groups on a linguistic basis: Bantu, Nilotes and Cushitic. English and Kiswahili are the official national languages.
The Kenyan church is widespread throughout the country, and 92 per cent of Kenyans are Christians. The church is respected for its record in education, health and community development and has great potential to alleviate poverty as churches are encouraged to live out integral mission.