Kenya

Kenya's government and economic life have been relatively stable since independence in 1963, despite a reputation for official corruption and oppression.

The theme of political stability continued in 1997 when President Daniel arap Moi won a fifth term in office. Moi has ruled Kenya since Jomo Kenyatta, the country's leader from independence, died in 1978.

Political and tribal violence have flared from time to time, claiming thousands of lives in the process. But opposition to the government has been hampered by its inability to bring fractured interest groups together.

However, an alliance of opposition leaders, lawyers and human rights groups have been demanding constitutional reforms in Kenya. The reformists, known as the National Convention Assembly, want to repeal colonial-era laws they say favor President Moi by restricting freedom of movement, assembly and speech.

Land and People | History |
| Travel | Financial | Weather

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
28,803,085
Average life span:
54 male, 55 female
Average yearly income ($US):
$350
GDP per capita ($US):
$1,300
Literacy rate:
78%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Nairobi
Size:
224,961 square miles (582,642 square km)
Government type:
Republic
Political leaders:
President Daniel arap Moi
Religions:
Protestant (40%), Roman Catholic (36%), Islam (16%), indigenous (6%), others (2%)
Languages:
English, Swahili, indigenous

HISTORY

FINANCIAL

Monetary unit:
Shilling

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CNN TRAVEL INFORMATION

CNN WEATHER INFORMATION

Forecasts:
--Nairobi
--Mombasa
--Embu
--Kitale
--Nakuru
Forecast and satellite maps:
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