Many times the images portrayed in the media about Kenya are often negative for instance images full of malnourished children with huge bellies, sometimes images of wars fought along tribal lines, poverty and generally a dysfunctional country. There are myths that are widely believed about Kenya, which are not true. Busting the myths is the only way to put a different picture of Kenya to the rest of the world. Kenya is far more complex, interesting and beautiful, over and above all the negativity it might receive from the media. The following are 10 common myths about Kenya that are not true:

1. Kenya is not safe

If you happen to believe all the media reports, then Kenya can sound as dangerous as hell. From stories about war, famine, child soldiers, terrorism and crime, it becomes difficult to believe there is something good that can come out of Kenya. However, that is not exclusively true. You can travel extensively across the country without any issues. You are actually more likely to be killed with kindness by happy locals that to be in any real danger at all. Simply sit back and enjoy the warmth of the friendly and welcoming locals.

2. Kenya and its leaders are corrupt

Honestly, we may agree that politicians and the people in Africa may be corrupt to some extent, but that does not exist everywhere with everyone. There are quite a number of leaders in Kenya who are revered and have actively stood against corruption. Most young people in Kenya are working hard to make corruption a thing of the past and also to oust corrupt leaders from their leadership positions.

3. Wild animals roam about freely

This statement can only be likened to the one about Australian children riding to school on their Kangaroos. This is one of the funniest myths about Kenya that there is. Animals like to stick to their own patch and not the place where humans occupy. While in Kenya, it is very rare to see a large or dangerous animals in the city streets.

4. Kenya is technologically backward

It is sad that nobody actually expects Kenya to be on dial up. Well, there is some news right here. Kenya has access to 4G and WiFi, and almost everyone you meet on the streets has a mobile phone. Yes, even the Maasai warriors. Kenyan banks have also created an innovative mobile friendly banking system that ensures transactions in your palm. There are also mobile apps that have revolutionized the way people go about their duties.

5. It is always hot in Kenya

Of course it is not always hot in Kenya. Kenya has varied seasons of hot, humid and cold. Kenya has dramatic climate that is friendly and not too harsh. There are warm days and cool nights, chilly mornings and rainy afternoons. It is not hot all year round. So the weather should be the least of your worries if you intend to travel to Kenya.

6. There is nothing to see in Kenya apart from Animals

Wow, this is one of the greatest misconceptions that an individual can have about Kenya. Granted, in Kenya we take pride in the wild animals that give us great revenue when tourists visit but Kenya is much more than animals! Kenya is the cradle of modern man; it has a huge array of historical sites, entertainment joints, shopping malls and other leisure activities. You can enjoy the sun and sand down at the Coast or go mountain climbing on Mt. Kenya. You can go for indoor rock climbing at Diamond Plaza in Nairobi or indoor ice skating at Panari Sky, still in Nairobi. You can visit historical sites in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu, Naivasha and much more.

7. Kenya needs help

All thanks to the media and sometimes well meaning charity adverts that showcase sad and malnourished children with begging eyes. This has caused a perception in the West that Kenya is poor, helpless and in need of some superior help. It is great to want some positive impact in the world, but only onto the view that enya needs to be ‘fixed.’ The best way Kenya needs help is buy a ticket to fly down here, spend your money in local guesthouses, order from cafes, travel with taxi drivers, buy from local shop owners and get to know the locals on a more personal level. Breaking those boundaries will actually help you understand Kenya and her people more.

8. Kenya is generally poor

Granted that poverty is a problem not only in Kenya, but Africa as well, but that does not mean that Kenya is poor, or the people of Kenya are poor. It is important to note that the people of Kenya are far from poor when it comes down to family, community or  general zest for life. Kenyan people are resourceful, creative, entrepreneurial and the most friendly and hospitable people.

9. The people of Kenya eat roots and wild herbs

There is a misconception that the people of Kenya only eat roots and wild herbs. It should be noted that some roots and wild herbs are actually very healthy. However, in Kenya, there is a wide range of food options to choose from, given that there are more that 30 indigenous tribes and each tribe has a particular food that they identify with. There are classic Kenyan recipes that would take you back to your mother’s kitchen to try them out. There are a number of delicious foods like pilau, ugali and a favorite nyama choma among others. There are also themed restaurants that serve food from around the world. So no, Kenyans do not eat roots ad hers only and you definitely cannot starve when you visit!

10. The people of Kenya know each other

Well, this is an amusing myth. Kenya is a country with over 43 million citizens, not to mention immigrants as well as expatriates. There is no way we could know everyone, but we are very friendly people. We are used to saying a word of hello to most of the people we meet. It does not necessarily mean we know them, to just means we are being friendly and sociable.

Kenya is one of the most beautiful country on the African Continent. It is full of friendly people, natural beauty, fascinating attractions and magnificent things to see and do. The beauty of this black nation should not be missed and the myths regarding Kenya should be busted. Most of the myths about Kenya that are not true are based on what people see on TV. Visiting in person would actually change this perception.