Culture and Customs of Kenya

Kenya a land of safaris wild animals and Maasai warriors perfectly represents Africa for many Westerners. This peerless single-source book presents the contemporary reality of life in Kenya an important East-African nation that has served as a crossroads for peoples and cultures from Africa the Middle East and East Asia for centuries. As such it is a land rich in cultural and ethnic diversity where unique and dynamic traditions blend with modern influences. Students and general readers will be engrossed in narrative overviews highlighting Kenyan history as well as the beliefs vibrant cultural expressions and various lifestyles and roles of the Kenyan population. A chronology glossary and numerous photos enhance the narrative.Kenya today struggles with nation building. Its society comprises the haves and the have-nots and faces the challenges of the trend toward urbanization with its attendant disruption of traditional social structures. For Kenyans the preserving of traditional cultures is as important as making the statement that Kenya is a modern nation. Chapters on the land people and history; religion and worldview; literature film and media; art and architecture; cuisine and traditional dress; gender roles marriage and family; and social customs and lifestyle are up to date and written by a country expert. A chronology glossary and numerous photos enhance the narrative.