KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

CHAPTER 1: KENYA
Life in Kenya
Ever since the first ‘modern tourist’ arrived on its shores at the turn
of the 20 th century, Kenya has been a name synonymous with adventure and
excitement.With arguably the world’s best known game reserve in the Maasai
Mara, an unmatched physical diversity that stretches from the snowcapped
peaks of Mount Kenya to the sparkling sands of the Indian Ocean, and a
history as rich as its famously hospitable welcome, the original ‘Land of Safari’
is still regarded by many as the ultimate African destination. It’s no surprise
that many people posted to work at the United Nations in Kenya end up
making the country their lifelong home.
As Kenya moves into the 21 st century, life in its bustling capital is gradually
adopting more of the comforts and conveniences of the modern age.
After a period in which the country became more famous for its corrupt
governance and susceptibility to terrorist attacks, Kenya is emerging from its
difficult past into a new era of social and economic promise.
The National Rainbow Coalition government of Mwai Kibaki elected
in December 2002 has made a commitment to economic reform and a tough
new anti-corruption agenda which has won it plaudits from governments
around the world, as well as the return of badly needed donor support.
Greater initiatives to unite East Africa by lifting trade and customs barriers
have brought fresh hopes for a more investor friendly region, while Kenya is
also playing a leading role in governance and human rights initiatives under
the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad). And the country’s
hosting of high-level peace talks for Sudan and Somalia has also signalled a
more pivotal role for the nation in Africa’s long awaited ‘renaissance’.
Although it will be a long time before memories fade of the recent
terrorist attacks on Nairobi’s US embassy and the Paradise Hotel in
Mombasa, Kenya is putting its collective strength into rebuilding the
nation’s image. And social strength the nation has in abundance; its 42
tribes and rich cultural heritage provide a cultural melting pot with few
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