People
Wangari Maathai
Nyeri, Kenya
She founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted millions of trees, and in 2004 became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Lived: 1940–2011 · Known for: Environmental activist
Kenya: leaders, famous people, culture and history
3 places on the atlas covering people and crafts. Highlights include Wangari Maathai and Maasai beadwork.
See Kenya on the map Etiquette guide
What is on the atlas
Who leads Kenya?
| President (head of state and government) | William Ruto |
|---|
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check Kenya’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from Kenya
- Jomo Kenyatta first president
- Wangari Maathai Nobel Peace Prize, Green Belt Movement
- Ngugi wa Thiong'o writer
- Eliud Kipchoge marathon runner
- Louis Leakey paleoanthropologist
- Richard Leakey paleoanthropologist and conservationist
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
Etiquette tips for Kenya
- Greeting A handshake and a friendly 'Jambo' or 'Habari' are expected. Greetings take time, and rushing seems rude.
- Dining Wait to be invited to eat. Eat with the right hand if food is shared by hand.
- Dress Dress neatly; avoid camouflage clothing, which is reserved for the military.
People in Kenya
People
Eliud Kipchoge
Kapsabet, Nandi County, Kenya
A two-time Olympic marathon champion who in 2019 ran a marathon in under two hours in a specially arranged event.
Born: 1984 · Known for: Marathon runner
Crafts in Kenya
Crafts
Maasai beadwork
Narok, Kenya
Maasai women make bright beaded collars, bracelets and earrings. The colours and patterns show age, status and community.
Craft: Colourful beaded jewellery
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead Kenya today, a short selection of well-known people from Kenya, and the 3 places pinned for Kenya on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see Kenya on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the people page and crafts page.
Questions about Kenya
Who is the leader of Kenya?
As of July 2026: President (head of state and government): William Ruto. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from Kenya?
Well-known people connected with Kenya include Jomo Kenyatta (first president), Wangari Maathai (Nobel Peace Prize, Green Belt Movement), Ngugi wa Thiong'o (writer), Eliud Kipchoge (marathon runner) and Louis Leakey (paleoanthropologist).
Which famous people from Kenya are pinned on the atlas?
People pinned for Kenya include Wangari Maathai and Eliud Kipchoge. Open the map to read a short summary of each.
What traditional crafts is Kenya known for?
Traditional crafts from Kenya on the atlas include Maasai beadwork. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore Kenya on the map?
Choose See Kenya on the map above, or search for Kenya on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.
What etiquette should visitors know in Kenya?
Greeting: A handshake and a friendly 'Jambo' or 'Habari' are expected. Greetings take time, and rushing seems rude. Dining: Wait to be invited to eat. Eat with the right hand if food is shared by hand. These are general customs, not legal advice.