6.

The first Black woman to win a Nobel Peace

Prize was from Kenya
Remember the name: Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspirational woman was a
Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace
Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and
peace. “She was the founder of the green belt movement which allowed over
51 million trees to be planted in Kenya.”

18 women have won the Nobel Peace Prize in total, and Wangari Muta
Maathai is one of only 4 Black women to have ever won a Nobel Prize.

7. Lake Turkana is the world’s largest desert

lake
While its global claim to fame is that it is the world’s largest desert lake, Lake
Turkana is also Kenya’s largest lake. It’s located in the north of the Great Rift
Valley, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the three
Lake Turkana National Parks – Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National
Park and South Island National Park.

You may be thinking “wow, that’s a lot of national parks for just one lake,” and
yes, it is, but then again Lake Turkana is over 6,000 square kilometres, so it’s
a pretty massive lake! The more view points the better.
Image source:Anthony Trivet / unsplash

8. Kenya leads the world’s cut flower exports

Ever been caught red-handed on the night of Valentine’s, scrambling for the
last salvageable bouquet because you forgot? Not in Kenya! The country is
amongst the world’s 5 largest exporters of cut flowers – mainly roses and
carnations; beautiful bright coloured and intricate flowers. These exports are
so large in fact that in 2022 Kenya generated 1.1billion US dollars from this
industry alone.

9. Kenya is the world’s leading safari

destination
Being home to the Masai Mara National Reserve, and being right on the
border of Tanzania’s Serengeti park, it’s no wonder that Kenya is amongst
one of the world’s leading safari destinations. In fact, this title is so
undisputed, that Kenya was officially recognised as such by the World Travel
Awards in 2015, and it has maintained that title since.
Image source:Contiki