Kenya: five things to know

– East African trading centre –

Kenya has been overtaken by Ethiopia as east Africa’s biggest economy, but remains the region’s main trading hub.

It derives its income from game parks and tropical beaches, as well as exports of cut flowers.

Since the attacks claimed by the Shabaab, several western countries have advised their citizens to stay away from Kenya’s vast coastal zones, including the port of Mombasa, the country’s second city.

Kenya has seen growth of more than five percent since 2013, thanks to public investment in infrastructure.

However the growth has not benefited all Kenyans and the price of cornflour, the staple for many Kenyans, has spiralled.

The country suffers from endemic corruption and was ranked 145th out of 176 countries in 2016 on Transparency International’s graft perceptions index.

Kenya has a mostly-Christian population of 48.5 million people, according to the African Development Bank. Its most populous ethnic groups are the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo and Kalenjin.

– Athletics champions –

Kenya is renowned for its athletes, especially its long distance runners, fighting against neighbour and rival Ethiopia for world championship medals and records.

Among its numerous stars are Olympic champions David Rudisha and Eliud Kipchoge.

Kenyan athletics is nevertheless going through a deep crisis, affected by doping allegations and strong suspicions of corruption.

– Cradle of mankind –

The Rift Valley, which stretches from Tanzania to Ethiopia via Kenya was the scene of major discoveries of fossils, and has been dubbed the “cradle of mankind”.

The remains of hominins believed to be nearly two million years old have been found in Kenya.