Agriculture is a major economic driver in Kenya – floriculture especially. Cut flowers and tea are its biggest exports. The country is a founding member of the East African Community and its capital, Nairobi, is a regional commercial hub. While Kenya has had the largest East African economy for a while, this has been hampered by its reliance on several primary goods whose prices have remained low. Its government, however, has prioritised infrastructure development.

Name Republic of Kenya

Capital Nairobi

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament National Assembly of Kenya

Parliament website www.parliament.go.ke

Languages English, Kiswahili

Area 580 367 km²

Population 45 010 056 (July 2014 est)

Imports Machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Exports Tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement

Currency Kenyan shilling

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Gallo/GettyImages