C H A P T E R 1 : K E N YA
Life in Kenya

Ever since the first 'modern tourist' arrived on its shores at the turn of the 20th 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 21st 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 equals, and a country that has survived the tumultuous post-Independence period with one of the most peaceful social records on the continent. Although the country sometimes seems strongly divided along tribal lines, its multitude of tribes have proved time and again that they can live in peace - and draw strength from their diversity.

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