What are typical Kenyan habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Kenya?

What are the customs in Kenya regarding food?

  • Because of the many different tribes and groups of people from Asia and Arab countries, among others, Kenya has a very diverse cuisine. For example, the Massai, pastoralists, eat a lot of meat and drink a lot of milk while the peoples living around Lake Queen Victoria eat mostly fish. Most meals in Kenya consist of ugali or potatoes accompanied by meat or fish and lots of vegetables.

What are the best recipes in Kenya?

  • Ugali which is a mixture of water, milk and corn flour.
  • Mandazi are a type of doughnut that many Kenyans absolutely love.
  • Kachumbari is spicy tomato sauce with meat.

What are the best drinks in Kenya?

  • Tea is served British-style with lots of sugar and milk.
  • Kenyans like warm beer.
  • Try to avoid locally distilled alcoholic beverages such as Busaa and Changaa. These drinks have caused a fair number of deaths due to the unsanitary conditions under which they are made.
  • Ginger Ale from Tangawizi is a locally brewed drink enjoyed by many Kenyans.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Kenya?

  • Kenyatta Day is on October 20. The holiday of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, is celebrated with parades throughout the country.
  • Jahmuri Day, or Independence Day, is celebrated on Dec. 12. In 1963 Kenya gained independence from England and in 1964 on this day Kenya became part of the Commonwealth. There are throughout the country, speeches, parades and celebrations with dancing and music.

What are the remarkable habits in Kenya?

  • Cultural customs: there are a huge number of cultures to be found in Kenya, and people identify strongly with their own ethnic group and its customs. Yet there is also a strong sense of national identity. General values found in Kenya are caring for neighbors and loved ones, strong family ties and modesty.
  • Social norms & mutual communication: greetings are important in both business and personal conversations, titles and formal forms of address are used to show respect, and non-verbal communication plays a big role!
  • Etiquettes & traditions: think politeness, respect, shaking hands with a slight head bow, hospitality towards guests, wearing traditional clothing on special occasions. Color and patterns may also be important here.
  • Eating and drinking habits: Meals are consumed together and it is polite to wait for the elder or host to start eating. Many Kenyans eat with their hands in the process.

What are some Kenian wisdoms and proverbs?

  • "Do not mistake a rained on lion for a cat."

    • even if someone does not feel like hunting he can still kill

  • "Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it."

    • wisdom is vast and collective; it requires the contributions of many to fully understand

  • "The strength of the crocodile is in the water."

    • You are stronger in your environment than anywhere else

  • "One who is not disciplined by their mother will be disciplined by the world’

    • If you are not taught at home, then you will learn it the hard way

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