Kenya is a country of great contrasts. It enjoyed remarkable stability over many decades, despite underlying tensions and continuously looming crises. With the Kenyan Highlands, it comprises one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa, but some parts - especially the north - suffer from recurring droughts and famines. It is known as the regional hub for trade and finance, and features East Africa’s best transportation linkages, communications infrastructure and trained personnel. But the politicians and civil society do not manage to curb an endemic corruption that is strongly impacting on economic opportunities and life in general.

Kenya is the regional powerhouse, but recent ethnically motivated post-election violence demonstrated that the country’s social structures are very weak. Thorough investigations into the fighting were hampered by personal interests of powerful politicians, and the resulting power sharing government of national unity is yet another sad reminder of the ineffective political environment. No less than 91 ministers have found a new job in the government, strongly encouraging new opportunities for graft and patronage politics.

These contrasts make the country a very rewarding destination for educational visitors who can obtain deep insights into both the positive and the negative consequences. Rather undisputed, however, is Kenya’s tremendous topographical diversity that adds to a fascinating visitor experience. The country features savannahs rich with wildlife, pristine beaches and coral reefs, equatorial forests, some of the highest snow-capped mountains in Africa, searing deserts and cool highlands, and a rich diversity in cultures and traditions. All of this makes Kenya the leading tourist destination in East Africa.

Special highlights:

• Training and higher education in health care and nursing
• Rural health care challenges
• English language and literature
• Ethnic conflict and reconciliation - the post-election experience
• The challenges of poor urban neighborhoods
• Gender issues and women leaders
• Trade and investment (tea, horticulture, coffee, petroleum, cement etc)
• Conservation activities

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