Location of Kenya

Kenya on the map

Kenya is in Eastern Africa. The KICD Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum teaches learners to describe Kenya's location using neighbours, directions and lines on the map.

Neighbours

• North: Ethiopia and South Sudan
• West: Uganda
• South: Tanzania
• East: Somalia and the Indian Ocean

The equator

The equator is an imaginary line at 0 degrees latitude that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres. It crosses Kenya near Nanyuki and Kisumu. Kenya lies in both hemispheres.

Longitude and latitude

Kenya lies roughly between latitudes 5 degrees North and 5 degrees South and longitudes 34 degrees and 42 degrees East.

Time zone

Kenya uses East Africa Time, three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Why location matters

• The Indian Ocean gives us the port of Mombasa, serving Uganda and Rwanda too.
• The equator gives warm temperatures, but altitude makes highlands cool.
• Borders enable trade and cooperation within the East African Community.

Using a map

Look at the title, key (legend) and compass to read a map correctly.

Try it

• Draw Kenya and mark the equator and the Indian Ocean.
• Name the neighbour to the south and the one to the west.
• Explain why Mombasa is important for trade.