Going Global
Mathew 28:18-20

ABOUT KENYA

Introduction: Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. Kenya is bordered in the north by Sudan and Ethiopia, in the east by Somalia, on the southeast by the Indian Ocean, on the southwest by Tanzania and to the west by Lake Victoria and Uganda.

Kenya is notable for its' geographical variety. The low-lying, fertile coastal region, fringed with coral reefs and islands, is back by a gradually rising coastal plain, a dry region covered with savanna and thornbush.

At an altitude of about 1,524 m and 300 miles inland, the plain gives way in the southwest to a high plateau, rising in parts to 3,048 m, in which about 85% of the population and the majority of economic enterprise are concentrated. The northern section of Kenya, forming three-fifths of the whole territory, is arid and of semi-desert character, as is the bulk of the southeastern quarter.

In the high plateau area, known as the Kenya Highlands, lie Mt. Kenya (5,200 m), Mt Elgon (4,322m) and the Aberdare Ranger (rising to over 3,963 m). The plateau is bisected from north to south by the Rift Valley, part of the great geological fracture that can be traced from Syria through the Red Sea and East Africa to Mozambique. In the north of Kenya, the valley is broad and shallow, embracing Lake Turkana (160 miles long), while further south it narrows and deepens and is walled by escarpments 610 to 930 meters high.

West of the Rift Valley, the plateau descends to the plains that border Lake Victoria. The principal rivers are the Tana and the Athi, flowing southeast to the Indian Ocean, the Ewaso Ngiro flowing northeast to the swamps of the Lorian Plain, and the Nzoia, Yala and Gori, which drain eastward into Lake Victoria. Low plains rise to central highlands, divided by the Great African Rift Valley.

CLIMATE:
The climate of Kenya is as varied as its physical structure. Climatic conditions vary from the tropical humidity of the coast, through the dry heat of the hinterland and northern plains, to the cool air of the plateau and mountains. Despite Kenya's equatorial position, Mt. Kenya is perpetually snow-capped. The coastal temperature averages 27°C (80°F), and the temperature decreases by slightly less than 2°C (3°F) with each 1,000 ft (305 m) increase in altitude.

The capital, Nairobi, at 1,675 m, has a mean annual temperature of 19°C. The arid plains vary from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). Seasonal variations are distinguished by duration of rainfall rather than changes of temperature; most regions of the country have two rainy seasons, the long rains falling between April and June, and the short rains between October and December. Average annual rainfall varies from 5 inches a year in the most arid regions of the northern plains to 70 inches a year near Lake Victoria. The coast and highland areas have an average of 40 inches per year.

CONSULATES:
Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Peter OGEGO
Embassy: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101
FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829

Consulate(s) General Los Angeles:
4801 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90010.
(323) 939-2408

New York:
424 Madison Av.,
New York, NY 10017.
(212) 486-1300

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Michael E. RANNEBERGER
Embassy: UN Avenue, Nairobi
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 606, Village Market, Nairobi
Telephone: 254-20-363-6000
FAX: 254-20-363-6157

United Kingdom:
45 Portland Place
London W1N 4AS
Tel: (44-171) 636-2371
Fax: (44-171) 323-6717

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Local time in Kenya