Kenya has a population of approximately 44 million and a GDP of approximately USD$ 1,432 per capita. Nairobi is the capital city, and Kiswahili and English are the official languages. Key exports include tea, horticultural products, coffee, fish, petroleum products, cement and tourism services. Major imports include machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, iron steel, motor vehicles, resins and plastics.

Kenya has a rapidly growing economy and due to a boost in investor confidence following peaceful presidential elections in March of 2013, the economy is expected to grow by more than 6% annually in the years to come. Increased growth is also forecasted due to the youthful population (64% of the population is currently aged 0-24 years), broad-based economy and strategic location. The economy is well diversified and is increasingly moving away from an agriculturally dominated economy. Key contributors to the GDP are agriculture (24.6% of GDP), transport and communications (14.5%), wholesale and retail trade (12.6%) and manufacturing (11.3%).

Increased foreign investment has also been seen following the recent discovery of oil reserves in the North. The country successfully implemented an Economic Recovery Strategy and has enacted business-friendly reforms. The government has also identified the following areas as promising for investment: tourism, agriculture, trade, manufacturing, business process outsourcing and financial services.

Situated in East Africa on the equator, it is a strategic shipping location in the region and is currently expanding its Mombasa port. Kenya dominates the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc and is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and the Commonwealth.

Government

Kenya is a parliamentary democracy. The Parliament of Kenya (or Bunge) is a bicameral house consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The President and the Deputy-President together with the Cabinet Secretaries comprise the Executive. The judiciary is independent of the Executive and the Legislature.

Legal System

Kenya has a progressive new Constitution which was promulgated in 2010. The legal system is based on Kenyan statutory law, in addition to Kenyan and English common law. Customary and Islamic law is also influential in some areas. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, followed by the Court of the Appeal. The High Court handles civil, criminal and constitutional matters. There are also various district and provisional courts.

Tourist information

Kenya has good airport facilities which are currently under expansion. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located in Nairobi and serves as a commercial hub connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East with East Africa and beyond. There are also international airports in Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret. A railway system and expansive road network connects major towns and cities. A commuter rail is also currently under construction in Nairobi with the first new line already in operation. 

Nairobi is known as the ‘Green City in the Sun’ and is the only capital city in the world to have a protected area within its environs. There are several five star hotels and shopping centres in the city and a vibrant food scene.