Grade 7 Social Studies — Term 1 Notes

<h1 class="notes-h1">Grade 7 Social Studies — Term 1 Notes</h1>
<h2 class="notes-h2">CBC / KICD Aligned | Junior Secondary | cbcedukenya.com</h2>
<hr class="section-divider">
<p><strong>Learning Area:</strong> Social Studies</p>
<p><strong>Grade:</strong> 7</p>
<p><strong>Term:</strong> 1</p>
<p><strong>Strands Covered:</strong> Citizenship, Governance & Institutions, Resources & Economic Activities</p>
<p><strong>Year:</strong> 2026</p>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h2 class="notes-h2">STRAND 1: CITIZENSHIP</h2>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 1.1: Identity and Citizenship</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Define citizenship and explain what it means to be a Kenyan citizen</li>
<li>Describe ways of acquiring Kenyan citizenship</li>
<li>Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens</li>
<li>Appreciate the importance of active citizenship</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.1.1 What Is Citizenship?</h4>
<p><strong>Citizenship</strong> is the legal status that gives a person full membership of a country. A citizen has rights protected by that country's laws and also has responsibilities towards the country.</p>
<p><strong>Kenya</strong> became an independent nation on <strong>12th December 1963</strong>. All people who are legally recognised as members of Kenya are called <strong>Kenyan citizens</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Key terms:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Citizen</strong> — a person who legally belongs to a country</li>
<li><strong>Nationality</strong> — the status of belonging to a particular nation</li>
<li><strong>Stateless person</strong> — someone who does not have citizenship of any country</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.1.2 How Kenyan Citizenship Is Acquired</h4>
<p>The Constitution of Kenya (2010) outlines four ways of acquiring citizenship:</p>
<p><strong>1. By Birth</strong></p>
<p>A person born in Kenya, or born outside Kenya to a parent who is a Kenyan citizen, automatically becomes a citizen at birth.</p>
<p><strong>2. By Registration</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>A person married to a Kenyan citizen for at least three years may apply for citizenship</li>
<li>Children adopted by Kenyan citizens may be registered as citizens</li>
<li>A person of Kenyan descent can apply to be registered</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. By Naturalisation</strong></p>
<p>A foreigner who has lived in Kenya legally for at least seven years may apply to become a citizen. Requirements include:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Good character and conduct</li>
<li>Knowledge of Kiswahili or a local language</li>
<li>Intention to remain in Kenya</li>
<li>Renouncing previous citizenship (in most cases)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. By Legislation (Act of Parliament)</strong></p>
<p>Parliament can pass a special law granting citizenship to specific individuals or groups.</p>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.1.3 Rights of Kenyan Citizens</h4>
<p>The <strong>Bill of Rights</strong> (Chapter Four of the Constitution) protects citizens' fundamental rights:</p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Category</th><th>Rights</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Civil Rights</td><td>Right to life, freedom of expression, privacy, fair trial</td></tr>
<tr><td>Political Rights</td><td>Right to vote, right to be elected, right to join political parties</td></tr>
<tr><td>Economic Rights</td><td>Right to work, right to property, right to education</td></tr>
<tr><td>Social Rights</td><td>Right to health, right to housing, right to a clean environment</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cultural Rights</td><td>Right to use one's language, to practise one's culture</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rights of Special Groups</td><td>Rights of children, women, persons with disabilities, minorities</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<blockquote class="notes-quote"><p><strong>Key Inquiry Question:</strong> What happens when citizens' rights are violated?</p></blockquote>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.1.4 Responsibilities of Citizens</h4>
<p>Rights come with responsibilities. Every Kenyan citizen is expected to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Obey the law</strong> — follow Kenya's Constitution and all laws passed by Parliament</li>
<li><strong>Pay taxes</strong> — contribute to government revenue that funds public services</li>
<li><strong>Vote</strong> — participate in elections to choose leaders</li>
<li><strong>Protect the environment</strong> — keep Kenya clean and conserve natural resources</li>
<li><strong>Respect others' rights</strong> — not interfere with the rights of fellow citizens</li>
<li><strong>Defend the country</strong> — support national security and report threats</li>
<li><strong>Serve on jury duty</strong> — participate in the justice system when called</li>
<li><strong>Register as a voter</strong> — keep voter rolls updated</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="notes-quote"><p><strong>Remember:</strong> A responsible citizen does not wait for others to do what is right. Active citizenship means taking action to improve your community.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Review Questions 1.1:</strong></p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Define citizenship.</li>
<li>List four ways of acquiring Kenyan citizenship.</li>
<li>What is the difference between a right and a responsibility?</li>
<li>Give three rights protected by the Bill of Rights.</li>
<li>Why is paying taxes an important citizen responsibility?</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 1.2: National Values and Cohesion</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>State Kenya's national values as outlined in the Constitution</li>
<li>Explain the importance of national cohesion</li>
<li>Describe challenges to national cohesion and possible solutions</li>
<li>Promote unity and peaceful coexistence in daily life</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.2.1 Kenya's National Values</h4>
<p>Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya lists the <strong>national values and principles of governance</strong> that bind all Kenyans:</p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Patriotism</strong> — love for and loyalty to Kenya</li>
<li><strong>National unity</strong> — Kenyans working together despite differences</li>
<li><strong>Sharing and devolution of power</strong> — distributing power across counties</li>
<li><strong>Rule of law</strong> — everyone is subject to the law, including leaders</li>
<li><strong>Democracy and participation of the people</strong> — citizens have a say in governance</li>
<li><strong>Human dignity</strong> — every person deserves respect</li>
<li><strong>Equity</strong> — fairness in how resources and opportunities are distributed</li>
<li><strong>Inclusiveness</strong> — no one is left out based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability</li>
<li><strong>Equality</strong> — all people are equal before the law</li>
<li><strong>Human rights</strong> — respecting the Bill of Rights</li>
<li><strong>Non-discrimination</strong> — not treating people differently due to who they are</li>
<li><strong>Protection of the marginalised</strong> — supporting vulnerable groups</li>
<li><strong>Good governance</strong> — transparent, accountable, and responsible leadership</li>
<li><strong>Integrity</strong> — honesty and strong moral principles</li>
<li><strong>Transparency and accountability</strong> — leaders must explain their decisions</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable development</strong> — meeting today's needs without harming future generations</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.2.2 National Cohesion</h4>
<p><strong>National cohesion</strong> means the unity of all Kenyans despite their differences in tribe, religion, language, and background.</p>
<p><strong>Why national cohesion matters:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Enables peaceful coexistence among Kenya's 44+ ethnic groups</li>
<li>Promotes economic development (conflict destroys investment)</li>
<li>Builds a strong national identity: "I am Kenyan first"</li>
<li>Prevents political manipulation based on ethnic lines</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Factors that promote national cohesion:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>National language (Kiswahili)</strong> — a shared language brings people together</li>
<li><strong>Education</strong> — schools teach shared values and bring children of all backgrounds together</li>
<li><strong>Sports</strong> — national teams like Harambee Stars and Rugby Sevens unite Kenyans</li>
<li><strong>National holidays</strong> — Jamhuri Day, Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day are celebrated by all</li>
<li><strong>Intermarriage</strong> — families across ethnic groups build bridges</li>
<li><strong>National symbols</strong> — the flag, coat of arms, and anthem inspire shared identity</li>
<li><strong>Religious tolerance</strong> — Kenya has Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and traditional believers living side by side</li>
<li><strong>Devolution</strong> — counties give all regions a voice in governance</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Challenges to national cohesion:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Ethnicity/tribalism</strong> — favouring people from your ethnic group</li>
<li><strong>Political incitement</strong> — leaders using ethnic divisions to win votes</li>
<li><strong>Land disputes</strong> — conflicts over land boundaries between communities</li>
<li><strong>Economic inequality</strong> — when resources are unevenly distributed, resentment grows</li>
<li><strong>Religious extremism</strong> — radical beliefs that reject peaceful coexistence</li>
<li><strong>Historical injustices</strong> — unresolved issues from the past breed resentment</li>
<li><strong>Social media hate speech</strong> — spreading divisive content online</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Solutions:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>The <strong>National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)</strong> monitors and addresses hate speech</li>
<li>Truth and reconciliation processes</li>
<li>Inter-community dialogue</li>
<li>Equal distribution of government resources</li>
<li>Enforcing anti-discrimination laws</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">1.2.3 Kenya's National Symbols</h4>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Symbol</th><th>Description</th><th>Significance</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>National Flag</td><td>Black, red, green horizontal stripes with Maasai shield and spears</td><td>Black = the people; red = blood shed for freedom; green = natural resources; white = peace</td></tr>
<tr><td>National Anthem</td><td>"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"</td><td>Prayer for unity, peace, and justice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Coat of Arms</td><td>Two lions holding a shield with the motto "Harambee"</td><td>National pride; "Harambee" means pulling together</td></tr>
<tr><td>National Seal</td><td>Used on official government documents</td><td>Represents government authority</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<blockquote class="notes-quote"><p><strong>Harambee</strong> — Kenya's national motto, meaning "all pull together." It represents the spirit of collective effort and self-help.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Review Questions 1.2:</strong></p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>State five national values of Kenya from Article 10 of the Constitution.</li>
<li>What is national cohesion?</li>
<li>Name three factors that promote national cohesion in Kenya.</li>
<li>Identify two challenges to national cohesion.</li>
<li>What does the word "Harambee" mean and why is it Kenya's national motto?</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h2 class="notes-h2">STRAND 2: GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONS</h2>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 2.1: The Constitution of Kenya</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Define a constitution and explain its importance</li>
<li>Describe the structure of the Constitution of Kenya (2010)</li>
<li>Explain the key features of the Constitution</li>
<li>Appreciate the Constitution as the supreme law of Kenya</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.1.1 What Is a Constitution?</h4>
<p>A <strong>constitution</strong> is the supreme law of a country. It defines:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>How the country is governed</li>
<li>The structure of government (who does what)</li>
<li>The rights and freedoms of citizens</li>
<li>The values and principles the country stands for</li>
</ul>
<p>Kenya's current constitution was <strong>promulgated (officially enacted) on 27th August 2010</strong> after a referendum in which 67% of Kenyans voted in favour of it. It replaced the 1969 constitution.</p>
<blockquote class="notes-quote"><p><strong>Promulgation</strong> — the formal announcement and putting into effect of a law.</p></blockquote>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.1.2 Structure of the Constitution of Kenya (2010)</h4>
<p>The Constitution of Kenya has <strong>18 Chapters</strong> and <strong>264 Articles</strong>:</p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Chapter</th><th>Title</th><th>Key Content</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>1</td><td>Sovereignty of the People</td><td>Kenya is a sovereign republic</td></tr>
<tr><td>2</td><td>The Republic</td><td>Kenya's territory, national symbols, official languages</td></tr>
<tr><td>3</td><td>Citizenship</td><td>Who is a Kenyan, how citizenship is acquired</td></tr>
<tr><td>4</td><td>Bill of Rights</td><td>Fundamental rights and freedoms of all Kenyans</td></tr>
<tr><td>5</td><td>Land and Environment</td><td>Land ownership, environment protection</td></tr>
<tr><td>6</td><td>Leadership and Integrity</td><td>Ethics for leaders, public offices</td></tr>
<tr><td>7</td><td>Representation of the People</td><td>Elections, political parties</td></tr>
<tr><td>8</td><td>The Legislature</td><td>National Assembly, Senate, their functions</td></tr>
<tr><td>9</td><td>The Executive</td><td>President, Deputy President, Cabinet</td></tr>
<tr><td>10</td><td>Judiciary</td><td>Courts system, independence of judiciary</td></tr>
<tr><td>11</td><td>Devolved Government</td><td>County governments, county assemblies</td></tr>
<tr><td>12</td><td>Public Finance</td><td>National and county budgets, revenue sharing</td></tr>
<tr><td>13</td><td>Public Service</td><td>Civil service, public offices</td></tr>
<tr><td>14</td><td>National Security</td><td>Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service</td></tr>
<tr><td>15</td><td>Commissions and Independent Offices</td><td>IEBC, EACC, NCIC, etc.</td></tr>
<tr><td>16</td><td>Amendment of the Constitution</td><td>How to change the constitution</td></tr>
<tr><td>17</td><td>General Provisions</td><td>Transitional arrangements</td></tr>
<tr><td>18</td><td>Transitional and Consequential Provisions</td><td>Legal transition from old to new</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.1.3 Key Features of the 2010 Constitution</h4>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Devolution</strong> — power shared between national and 47 county governments</li>
<li><strong>Bicameral Legislature</strong> — two houses: National Assembly and Senate</li>
<li><strong>Presidential System</strong> — President is head of state AND government</li>
<li><strong>Separation of Powers</strong> — Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements), Judiciary (interprets)</li>
<li><strong>Expanded Bill of Rights</strong> — covers second and third generation rights</li>
<li><strong>Independent Commissions</strong> — e.g., IEBC, EACC, reduce government control</li>
<li><strong>Two-term presidential limit</strong> — maximum two 5-year terms</li>
<li><strong>Gender rule</strong> — not more than two-thirds of elective positions to be of the same gender</li>
<li><strong>One-third representation</strong> — women must hold at least one-third of appointed positions</li>
<li><strong>Youth and PWD representation</strong> — reserved seats in Parliament</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 2.2: Levels of Government in Kenya</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Describe Kenya's two levels of government</li>
<li>Explain the functions of each level</li>
<li>Identify key government institutions and their roles</li>
<li>Appreciate the importance of devolution</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.2.1 Kenya's Two Levels of Government</h4>
<p>The 2010 Constitution created a <strong>devolved system</strong> of government with two levels:</p>
<p><strong>Level 1: National Government</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Based in Nairobi</li>
<li>Headed by the <strong>President</strong></li>
<li>Covers matters affecting the whole nation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Level 2: County Government</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>47 counties, each with its own government</li>
<li>Headed by a <strong>Governor</strong></li>
<li>Covers local matters within the county</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.2.2 The Three Arms of National Government</h4>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Arm</th><th>Name</th><th>Function</th><th>Head</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Legislature</td><td>Parliament (National Assembly + Senate)</td><td>Makes laws; approves budget; checks the executive</td><td>Speaker of National Assembly / Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>Executive</td><td>Presidency + Cabinet</td><td>Implements laws and policies; runs government departments</td><td>President</td></tr>
<tr><td>Judiciary</td><td>Courts</td><td>Interprets laws; settles disputes; punishes wrongdoers</td><td>Chief Justice</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<blockquote class="notes-quote"><p><strong>Separation of Powers</strong> ensures no single arm becomes too powerful. Each arm checks the other two.</p></blockquote>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.2.3 Parliament of Kenya</h4>
<p>Kenya's Parliament has two chambers (houses):</p>
<p><strong>National Assembly (350 Members)</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>290 elected constituency representatives (one per constituency)</li>
<li>47 women representatives (one per county)</li>
<li>12 nominated members (youth, PWDs)</li>
<li>Speaker + Attorney General (ex-officio)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Senate (67 Senators)</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>47 elected county senators (one per county)</li>
<li>16 women nominated</li>
<li>2 youth nominated (1 male, 1 female)</li>
<li>2 PWD nominated</li>
<li>Speaker (ex-officio)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Main functions of Parliament:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Pass laws (legislation)</li>
<li>Approve the national budget</li>
<li>Oversee the executive (question ministers, debate policies)</li>
<li>Ratify international treaties</li>
<li>Impeach the President or Deputy President if necessary</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.2.4 The Executive</h4>
<p><strong>The President:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Elected directly by Kenyans every 5 years</li>
<li>Must win at least 50%+1 of votes AND at least 25% in 24+ counties</li>
<li>Maximum of two 5-year terms</li>
<li>Commands the Kenya Defence Forces</li>
<li>Appoints Cabinet Secretaries (with approval of National Assembly)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cabinet Secretaries:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Each heads a government ministry (e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health)</li>
<li>Not elected — appointed by the President</li>
<li>Must NOT be Members of Parliament</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key government ministries:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Ministry of Education</li>
<li>Ministry of Health</li>
<li>Ministry of Finance (National Treasury)</li>
<li>Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government</li>
<li>Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">2.2.5 County Government</h4>
<p>Kenya has <strong>47 counties</strong>, each named after its headquarters town/city.</p>
<p><strong>Structure of county government:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Organ</th><th>Composition</th><th>Function</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>County Assembly</td><td>MCAs (one per ward) + nominated members + Speaker</td><td>Makes county laws (acts); approves county budget; oversees county executive</td></tr>
<tr><td>County Executive</td><td>Governor, Deputy Governor, County Executive Committee Members</td><td>Implements county policies; manages county services</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>County government responsibilities include:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Agriculture (within the county)</li>
<li>Local health services</li>
<li>County roads and transport</li>
<li>Pre-primary education (nursery/PP1/PP2)</li>
<li>County trade licensing</li>
<li>Local tourism promotion</li>
<li>Waste management and sanitation</li>
<li>County planning and land use</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The 47 Counties of Kenya</strong> (grouped by region):</p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Region</th><th>Counties</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Nairobi</td><td>Nairobi</td></tr>
<tr><td>Central</td><td>Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua</td></tr>
<tr><td>Coast</td><td>Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita-Taveta</td></tr>
<tr><td>Eastern</td><td>Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit</td></tr>
<tr><td>North Eastern</td><td>Garissa, Wajir, Mandera</td></tr>
<tr><td>Nyanza</td><td>Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rift Valley</td><td>Turkana, West Pokot, Trans-Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Samburu</td></tr>
<tr><td>Western</td><td>Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Review Questions 2:</strong></p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Define constitution and state the year Kenya's current constitution was promulgated.</li>
<li>Name the three arms of national government and state the function of each.</li>
<li>What is the difference between the National Assembly and the Senate?</li>
<li>List four responsibilities of county governments.</li>
<li>Who heads a county government?</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h2 class="notes-h2">STRAND 3: RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES</h2>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 3.1: Kenya's Natural Resources</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Define natural resources and classify them</li>
<li>Identify Kenya's major natural resources</li>
<li>Explain the economic importance of natural resources</li>
<li>Propose ways of conserving natural resources</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.1.1 What Are Natural Resources?</h4>
<p><strong>Natural resources</strong> are materials or substances found in nature that are useful to humans. They occur naturally without human creation.</p>
<p><strong>Classification of Natural Resources:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Type</th><th>Definition</th><th>Examples in Kenya</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Renewable</td><td>Can be replaced or regenerated naturally</td><td>Forests, water, solar energy, wind, fish</td></tr>
<tr><td>Non-renewable</td><td>Cannot be replaced once used up</td><td>Oil (Turkana), minerals (gold, fluorspar), coal</td></tr>
<tr><td>Inexhaustible</td><td>Cannot be used up</td><td>Sunlight, wind, tides</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.1.2 Kenya's Major Natural Resources</h4>
<p><strong>1. Land</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Kenya covers <strong>580,367 km²</strong></li>
<li>Used for farming (37% of land is arable)</li>
<li>Supports settlement, industry, and infrastructure</li>
<li>Fertile highlands in Central, Western, and Rift Valley regions</li>
<li>Challenge: rapid urbanisation and soil degradation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>2. Water</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Lake Victoria</strong> — Africa's largest freshwater lake; supports fishing and transport</li>
<li><strong>Lake Turkana</strong> — largest desert lake; fishing, tourism</li>
<li><strong>Rivers:</strong> Tana (Kenya's longest), Athi, Nzoia, Ewaso Ng'iro, Galana/Sabaki</li>
<li><strong>Indian Ocean</strong> — sea fishing, tourism, trade routes</li>
<li>Used for: drinking, irrigation, hydroelectric power (HEP), fishing, transport</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Forests</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Kenya's gazetted forests cover about <strong>1.7 million hectares</strong></li>
<li>Main forests: Mau Forest Complex, Mt. Kenya Forest, Aberdare Forest, Kakamega Rainforest</li>
<li>Products: timber, charcoal, medicinal plants, honey</li>
<li>Services: water catchment, carbon storage, rainfall regulation, biodiversity</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4. Wildlife</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Kenya has world-famous wildlife: lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest</li>
<li><strong>National parks and reserves:</strong> Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Nakuru, Samburu</li>
<li>Wildlife supports <strong>tourism</strong> — Kenya's top foreign exchange earner</li>
<li>Kenya earned over <strong>KSH 200 billion</strong> from tourism (2023)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>5. Minerals</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Oil:</strong> Turkana County (discovered 2012, commercial extraction beginning)</li>
<li><strong>Soda ash:</strong> Lake Magadi (Magadi Soda Company)</li>
<li><strong>Fluorspar:</strong> Kerio Valley</li>
<li><strong>Gold:</strong> Migori and Kakamega</li>
<li><strong>Gemstones:</strong> Tsavo (tsavorite), various regions (rubies, garnets)</li>
<li><strong>Limestone:</strong> Athi River, Bamburi (cement production)</li>
<li><strong>Diatomite:</strong> Kariandusi near Gilgil</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>6. Solar and Wind Energy</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Kenya has high solar radiation — especially in arid and semi-arid areas</li>
<li><strong>Lake Turkana Wind Power</strong> — Africa's largest wind farm (310 MW)</li>
<li><strong>Olkaria Geothermal Plant</strong> — Kenya leads Africa in geothermal energy</li>
<li>Kenya generates about <strong>75-80%</strong> of its electricity from renewable sources</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.1.3 Conservation of Natural Resources</h4>
<p><strong>Conservation</strong> means using natural resources wisely so they last for future generations. This is part of <strong>sustainable development</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Why conservation is important:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Prevents deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification</li>
<li>Protects biodiversity (plants and animals)</li>
<li>Ensures clean water for future generations</li>
<li>Maintains ecosystem services (rainfall, clean air)</li>
<li>Supports sustainable economic activities (ecotourism, fishing)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Methods of conservation:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Resource</th><th>Conservation Methods</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Forests</td><td>Afforestation, reforestation, controlled logging, agroforestry</td></tr>
<tr><td>Water</td><td>Water harvesting, reducing pollution, proper irrigation, conserving wetlands</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wildlife</td><td>National parks, anti-poaching laws, wildlife corridors, community conservancies</td></tr>
<tr><td>Soil</td><td>Terracing, contour farming, cover crops, avoiding overgrazing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Minerals</td><td>Responsible mining, recycling, reducing waste</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Kenya's conservation institutions:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Kenya Forest Service (KFS)</strong> — manages forests</li>
<li><strong>Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)</strong> — manages wildlife and national parks</li>
<li><strong>National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)</strong> — regulates environmental matters</li>
<li><strong>Water Resources Authority (WRA)</strong> — manages water resources</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h3 class="notes-h3">Sub-Strand 3.2: Economic Activities in Kenya</h3>
<p><strong>Specific Learning Outcomes:</strong></p>
<p>By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Identify the major economic activities in Kenya</li>
<li>Explain the contribution of each economic sector to Kenya's economy</li>
<li>Describe challenges facing different economic sectors</li>
<li>Appreciate the role of economic activities in national development</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.1 Kenya's Economic Sectors</h4>
<p>Kenya's economy is divided into three sectors:</p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Sector</th><th>Activities</th><th>Examples</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Primary (extractive)</td><td>Directly using natural resources</td><td>Farming, fishing, mining, forestry, hunting</td></tr>
<tr><td>Secondary (manufacturing)</td><td>Processing raw materials into finished goods</td><td>Food processing, textile mills, cement factories</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tertiary (services)</td><td>Providing services</td><td>Trade, banking, tourism, education, transport</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.2 Agriculture</h4>
<p>Agriculture is <strong>Kenya's backbone</strong> — it contributes about <strong>20-25% of GDP</strong> and employs over <strong>40% of the workforce</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Types of farming in Kenya:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Type</th><th>Description</th><th>Crops / Products</th><th>Main Regions</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Subsistence farming</td><td>Growing food mainly for family use</td><td>Maize, beans, sorghum, millet</td><td>Most rural areas</td></tr>
<tr><td>Commercial farming</td><td>Growing crops for sale</td><td>Tea, coffee, flowers, pyrethrum</td><td>Central, Rift Valley</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mixed farming</td><td>Growing crops AND keeping livestock</td><td>Crops + dairy cattle + poultry</td><td>Central Kenya</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pastoralism</td><td>Keeping livestock as main activity</td><td>Cattle, goats, camels</td><td>Northern Kenya, Maasailand</td></tr>
<tr><td>Irrigation farming</td><td>Using water pipes/channels</td><td>Rice, vegetables, horticultural crops</td><td>Mwea, Perkerra, Tana River</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Kenya's major cash crops:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Crop</th><th>Main Region</th><th>Export / Use</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td><strong>Tea</strong></td><td>Central highlands, Kericho, Kisii</td><td>Kenya's No. 1 agricultural export; 30% of world's black tea</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Coffee</strong></td><td>Central Kenya, Mt. Kenya slopes</td><td>Second major export; Kenyan AA is world-famous</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Flowers (horticulture)</strong></td><td>Naivasha, Thika, Mt. Kenya</td><td>Third agricultural export; mainly to Europe</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Sugarcane</strong></td><td>Western Kenya (Mumias, Chemelil, Sony)</td><td>Sugar production</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Sisal</strong></td><td>Eastern and Coast regions</td><td>Rope, twine, sacks</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Pyrethrum</strong></td><td>Nakuru, Nyandarua</td><td>Natural insecticide</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Cotton</strong></td><td>Nyanza, Eastern</td><td>Textile industry</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.3 Livestock Keeping</h4>
<p>Kenya has over <strong>20 million cattle</strong>, <strong>30 million goats</strong>, and <strong>18 million sheep</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Products from livestock:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Dairy:</strong> milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt (Kenya Cooperative Creameries/KCC)</li>
<li><strong>Meat:</strong> beef, mutton, goat, pork</li>
<li><strong>Hides and skins:</strong> leather goods</li>
<li><strong>Wool and hair:</strong> textiles</li>
<li><strong>Eggs and poultry meat</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pastoralism</strong> (nomadic herding) is practised by communities such as:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Maasai</strong> — cattle, in Kajiado and Narok</li>
<li><strong>Samburu</strong> — cattle, camels, goats in Northern Kenya</li>
<li><strong>Turkana</strong> — camels, goats in Turkana County</li>
<li><strong>Somali</strong> — camels, cattle in North Eastern</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Challenges facing livestock keeping:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Drought and lack of water</li>
<li>Livestock diseases (foot-and-mouth, East Coast Fever)</li>
<li>Land conflicts between pastoralists and farmers</li>
<li>Lack of markets for livestock products</li>
<li>Limited veterinary services in remote areas</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.4 Fishing</h4>
<p>Kenya's fishing industry employs over <strong>1 million people</strong> directly and indirectly.</p>
<p><strong>Main fishing areas:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Water Body</th><th>Main Fish</th><th>County</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Lake Victoria</td><td>Nile perch, tilapia, dagaa</td><td>Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori</td></tr>
<tr><td>Indian Ocean</td><td>Tuna, kingfish, snapper, prawns</td><td>Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lake Turkana</td><td>Nile tilapia, Nile perch</td><td>Turkana</td></tr>
<tr><td>Inland rivers/dams</td><td>Various freshwater fish</td><td>Various</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Types of fishing:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Subsistence fishing</strong> — for family use</li>
<li><strong>Commercial fishing</strong> — for sale locally and export (Nile perch exported to Europe)</li>
<li><strong>Fish farming (aquaculture)</strong> — growing fish in ponds; government encourages this</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.5 Tourism</h4>
<p>Tourism is <strong>Kenya's top foreign exchange earner</strong> alongside tea.</p>
<p><strong>Why tourists visit Kenya:</strong></p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Wildlife</strong> — Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Aberdare</li>
<li><strong>Beaches</strong> — Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu</li>
<li><strong>Cultural tourism</strong> — Maasai villages, Swahili culture in Mombasa</li>
<li><strong>Mountain tourism</strong> — Mt. Kenya (5,199 m), the Great Rift Valley</li>
<li><strong>Sports tourism</strong> — marathons, safaris, deep-sea fishing</li>
<li><strong>Conferences (MICE)</strong> — Nairobi is a major conference city</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Economic benefits of tourism:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Foreign exchange earnings (over KSH 200 billion/year)</li>
<li>Creates employment (hotels, guides, transport, crafts)</li>
<li>Promotes infrastructure development (airports, roads)</li>
<li>Encourages wildlife and cultural conservation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Challenges facing tourism:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Political insecurity and terrorism threats</li>
<li>Disease outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19 devastated tourism 2020-2021)</li>
<li>Competition from other African countries</li>
<li>Infrastructure gaps in some areas</li>
<li>Environmental damage from uncontrolled tourism</li>
</ul>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.6 Manufacturing and Industry</h4>
<p>Kenya is <strong>East Africa's industrial hub</strong>. Major industries include:</p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Industry</th><th>Products</th><th>Location</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Food processing</td><td>Flour, cooking oil, dairy, beverages</td><td>Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret</td></tr>
<tr><td>Textiles and garments</td><td>Clothes, EPZ exports to USA</td><td>Nairobi (Ruiru, Athi River)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cement</td><td>Building materials</td><td>Athi River, Bamburi, Mombasa</td></tr>
<tr><td>Petroleum refining</td><td>Fuel products</td><td>Mombasa (Kenya Pipeline)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Chemical manufacturing</td><td>Fertilisers, paints</td><td>Nairobi, Mombasa</td></tr>
<tr><td>Steel and metal works</td><td>Iron sheets, pipes</td><td>Nairobi industrial area</td></tr>
<tr><td>Flower processing</td><td>Packed cut flowers</td><td>Naivasha, Thika</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Kenya's industrial areas:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Nairobi</strong> — largest industrial zone (Industrial Area)</li>
<li><strong>Mombasa</strong> — port-based industries</li>
<li><strong>Eldoret</strong> — grain processing, textile mills</li>
<li><strong>Kisumu</strong> — sugar processing, fishing</li>
<li><strong>Thika</strong> — food processing (Del Monte), textiles</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Export Processing Zones (EPZs):</strong></p>
<p>Special industrial areas where companies get tax incentives to manufacture for export. Located in Athi River, Mombasa, and Nairobi.</p>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.7 Trade</h4>
<p><strong>Internal (domestic) trade</strong> — buying and selling within Kenya:</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Markets</strong> — every town has periodic markets (e.g., Kongowea, Wakulima)</li>
<li><strong>Supermarkets and shops</strong> — urban retail</li>
<li><strong>M-Pesa and mobile money</strong> — revolutionised Kenya's trade; over 30 million M-Pesa users</li>
<li><strong>Jua Kali sector</strong> — informal manufacturing and repair businesses</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>External (international) trade:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Exports</strong> (Kenya sells abroad):</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Tea, coffee, flowers, vegetables (EU, UK)</li>
<li>Nile perch (Europe, Middle East)</li>
<li>Oil products (re-exports from Mombasa port)</li>
<li>Manufactured goods (East Africa region)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Imports</strong> (Kenya buys from abroad):</p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Machinery and equipment</li>
<li>Petroleum products (crude oil)</li>
<li>Vehicles</li>
<li>Pharmaceuticals</li>
<li>Electronic goods</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Kenya's main trading partners:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li><strong>Exports to:</strong> Uganda, Tanzania, Netherlands, UK, USA, Germany</li>
<li><strong>Imports from:</strong> China, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Trade deficit:</strong> Kenya imports more than it exports, creating a <strong>trade deficit</strong> (a gap that must be financed).</p>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h4 class="notes-h4">3.2.8 Transport and Communication</h4>
<p>An efficient transport system is essential for economic development.</p>
<p><strong>Transport in Kenya:</strong></p>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Mode</th><th>Network</th><th>Importance</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Road</td><td>160,000+ km of roads; about 14,000 km paved</td><td>Carries 80% of freight and passengers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rail</td><td>Standard Gauge Railway (SGR: Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha); old metre-gauge to western Kenya</td><td>Cheaper for bulk goods; reduces road congestion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Air</td><td>Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA); Wilson; Moi International</td><td>International tourism and exports (flowers, perishables)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Water</td><td>Lake Victoria ferries; Mombasa port</td><td>Regional trade; imported goods</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pipeline</td><td>Kenya Pipeline Company (Mombasa to Nairobi to Eldoret)</td><td>Transporting refined petroleum products</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p><strong>Mombasa Port</strong> is the most important port in East Africa — it serves Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.</p>
<p><strong>Communication in Kenya:</strong></p>
<ul class="notes-list">
<li>Mobile phone penetration: over <strong>60 million</strong> registered SIM cards</li>
<li>Internet users: over <strong>22 million</strong></li>
<li>Key networks: Safaricom (M-Pesa), Airtel, Telkom</li>
<li><strong>M-Pesa</strong> — launched 2007, Kenya's mobile money system; used for payments, savings, loans</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Review Questions 3:</strong></p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?</li>
<li>Name Kenya's top three agricultural exports.</li>
<li>Explain what pastoralism is and name two communities that practise it.</li>
<li>What are the main benefits of tourism to Kenya's economy?</li>
<li>Why is Mombasa Port important to East Africa?</li>
<li>What is a trade deficit?</li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h2 class="notes-h2">TERM 1 REVISION — SUMMARY TABLES</h2>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Government Structure at a Glance</h3>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Level</th><th>Head</th><th>Legislature</th><th>Services</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>National</td><td>President</td><td>Parliament (NA + Senate)</td><td>National defence, foreign affairs, national infrastructure</td></tr>
<tr><td>County</td><td>Governor</td><td>County Assembly</td><td>Local roads, health, pre-primary education, agriculture</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Kenya's Economic Sectors</h3>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Sector</th><th>Key Activities</th><th>Major Exports</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Agriculture</td><td>Tea, coffee, flowers, livestock, fishing</td><td>Tea (no. 1), flowers (no. 3)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Industry</td><td>Food processing, textiles, cement</td><td>Manufactured goods</td></tr>
<tr><td>Services</td><td>Tourism, banking, transport, IT</td><td>Tourism earnings</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Key Dates to Remember</h3>
<div class="table-wrap"><table class="notes-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>Event</th><th>Date</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Kenya's Independence (Uhuru Day)</td><td>12th December 1963</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kenya becomes a Republic (Jamhuri Day)</td><td>12th December 1964</td></tr>
<tr><td>New Constitution promulgated</td><td>27th August 2010</td></tr>
<tr><td>M-Pesa launched</td><td>2007</td></tr>
<tr><td>SGR Mombasa–Nairobi inaugurated</td><td>2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<hr class="section-divider">
<h2 class="notes-h2">END OF TERM PRACTICE QUESTIONS</h2>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Section A — Multiple Choice</h3>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Which article of the Constitution protects the rights and freedoms of Kenyan citizens?</li>
</ol>
<p>A) Article 3 B) Article 10 C) Chapter 4 D) Chapter 6</p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>The head of a county government in Kenya is called:</li>
</ol>
<p>A) Senator B) Governor C) MCA D) Cabinet Secretary</p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Which of the following is a renewable natural resource?</li>
</ol>
<p>A) Coal B) Gold C) Forest D) Oil</p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Kenya's national motto is:</li>
</ol>
<p>A) Unity, Peace, Justice B) Harambee C) Umoja D) Tujenge Kenya</p>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>Which lake is the largest freshwater lake in Africa?</li>
</ol>
<p>A) Lake Turkana B) Lake Baringo C) Lake Victoria D) Lake Naivasha</p>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Section B — Short Answers</h3>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>State three ways of acquiring Kenyan citizenship. <em>(3 marks)</em></li>
<li>Name the two houses of Parliament in Kenya. <em>(2 marks)</em></li>
<li>List three conservation methods for forests. <em>(3 marks)</em></li>
<li>What is devolution? <em>(2 marks)</em></li>
<li>Name two of Kenya's major tea-growing regions. <em>(2 marks)</em></li>
</ol>
<h3 class="notes-h3">Section C — Extended Response</h3>
<ol class="notes-list">
<li>"Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya's economy." Using examples, explain this statement. <em>(10 marks)</em></li>
<li>Describe challenges facing Kenya's tourism industry and suggest solutions. <em>(10 marks)</em></li>
<li>Explain the importance of the Bill of Rights to Kenyan citizens. <em>(10 marks)</em></li>
</ol>
<hr class="section-divider">
<p><em>These notes cover Grade 7 Social Studies Term 1 strands: Citizenship, Governance, and Resources & Economic Activities.</em></p>
<p><em>Download complete notes, schemes of work, lesson plans, and exams at:</em></p>
<p><strong>[cbcedukenya.com](https://cbcedukenya.com)</strong> — 100 KSH per subject | M-Pesa accepted</p>
<p><em>Free tutorial videos: YouTube @CBCEduKenya</em></p>