These Kenya art activities are wonderful for getting to know Kenyan leaders and creators, and learning from their gifts and style. Keep reading until the end for some virtual field trips to some amazing museums in Kenya!
Featured Kenya Artist: Suzanna Owiyo
Suzanna Owiyo is a popular contemporary singer. She has especially used her position to support the “Because I Am A Girl” campaign, which helps girls get education. She is a National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
Nature in Kenya
There are a number of large animals that live in Kenya and commune with its beautiful land. They work together in dry and rainy seasons, and with rivers and wilderness. Some common animals are zebras, wildebeest, leopards, hippos, and more.
Millions of people visit Kenya each year to see its endless savanna and the animals that inhabit it: elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and more. The Kenyan government has set up more than 50 reserves and parks to protect these animals.
People seeking African wildlife usually focus on Kenya’s lowland savannas. But Kenya’s ecosystems also include deserts, swamps, mountain, and forests. Each region has its own mix of plants and animals that are suited to the area’s particular conditions. Kenya’s highland forests are home to many animals found nowhere else in the world.
Kenyan Craft & Culture Activity for Kids: Maasai Beaded Necklace Craft
The Maasai people and other east African cultures make a lot of beautiful beadwork. The colors they choose are very symbolic, so please learn about them before making your jewelry. (You can learn more about the meaning of the colors HERE.)
Traditional Maasai beaded jewelry uses very small and slippery beads that may be difficult for kids to use. Instead, here, we will use slightly larger beads in a simpler pattern to allow children of varying ages to participate. We will also use softer yarn instead of harder necklace forms for safety with little ones.
Materials
Perler beads or craft beads (better for younger kids)
Yarn or embroidery floss
String your beads on your thread. You can either alternate colors (such as black and white), or you can make several rows (such as a row of red for strength, a row of blue for energy, a row of white for purity, etc.) and tie them all together. Be sure to tie off the ends so the beads don’t come loose. Then tie on your necklace!
