It is here on the East Coast of Africa, that man learned to walk upright. The cultures that have shaped this ancient colonised country are diverse. In about 1000 AD, an Arab community was formed on the coast, whose city-states traded as far as China.  Inland, the African people were nomads, some settling as farmers, others maintaining the life of nomadic livestock breeders. The Portuguese established base points in the harbours en route to East India.

The largely independent development of Kenya ended abruptly in 1895 when British colonialists claimed the land. The British forced local farmers onto reservations, and gave their land to English settlers. British influence is apparent even today - from school uniforms, to five-o'clock-tea, to the early closing times of pubs.

The literature of Kenya concerns itself with this history. Works such as those by Ngugi wa Thiong'o are considered to be part of international literature. It treats issues such traditions, and foreign influences and violations. But it also deals with the African resistance and the cultural dimensions of the liberation that Kenya achieved in 1963.  Kenyan literature is also critical of its own government.  However, this government does recognise the need to maintain stability of the state and a heterogeneous society.

Kenya, with its multi-faceted history and culture, also offers the unknown. Diverse landscapes and the manifold flora and fauna have made this country a favourite travel destination. There are endless stretches of land, barren deserts and arid savannahs, but Kenya also has green, fertile highlands, the tropical rainforest, volcanic cones and incredible tropical beaches on the Indian Ocean.