Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over the constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement, which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people died. UN-sponsored talks in late February produced a powersharing accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister.

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and the largest city in the country.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi. This is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even birdlife (over 400 species). Here you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational centre to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. Also in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, close to the Nairobi National Park. This Orphanage takes in elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were orphaned by poaching.

Giraffe Centre

Giraffe Centre, in Lang'ata right outside of Nairobi. The Centre breeds the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and has conservation/education programmes for Kenyan children. It also has many warthogs.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, is centred around a 2,146 metre mountain. This is a mountain forest and plain land, with a large population of Buffalo. It also serves as a refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a large variety of bird species.

14 Falls

14 Falls, a waterfall at Thika.

Tana River

Tana River, is an hour's drive from the city. White water rafting throughout cataracts, which leads to the 14 falls can be done here. The rafting trip also includes a full BBQ lunch.

Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi National Museum, where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its history and culture. Currently the museum is open again after major renovations.

National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum, visitors can learn more about the history of Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses, some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.

Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum, is based on the Karen Blixen’s book "Out of Africa". Her house is now the home of the museum. It is on the outskirts of Nairobi and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum.

Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya, portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song.

Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Gardens, built in remembrance of the struggle for independence, which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24 metre high triumphal column supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace, high over a statue of freedom fighter raising the flag. The monument is surround by fountains and lush-landscaped gardens.

Garissa

Garissa is off the tourist trail but gives an interesting insight into the Somali way of life without crossing into Somalia itself. The town has attractive side streets with typical brightly-painted shop fronts. Out of town the landscape is thorn scrub. Wildlife to be glimpsed from the road includes eagles, dikdik, baboons and meerkats. Large herds of camels are often seen being moved by families between seasonal village sites.

Lamu

Shela beach

Visit Shela beach on the North end of the Lamu island is a beautiful stretch of white sand and tiny broken sea shells. The walk from main Lamu town is only about a mile and a half and well worth it due to the locals you meet on the way. Watch for the young boys selling homemade samosas on the beach. They are delicious!

Lamu Museum

Built in 1891, the Lamu Museum was the former residence of the British Governors during the colonial era. Here, you will experience and learn about the rich Swahili culture that is ever so evident in Lamu Town.

Mombasa

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus. An old slave port structure built by the Portuguese. It's very beautiful!

Gedi Ruins

Baluchi Mosque

Baluchi Mosque. The largest mosque in Mombasa

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Jain Temple

Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the famous pink flamingoes. It also offers viewing of various other species of animals and birds.

Menengai Crater

Menengai Crater is a dormant volcanoes that still spews out smoke. A view from the edge of the crater is a must.