This is complex issue about which you could talk until the cows come home. But let me sum up a few important points.
The fact that there's a relatively small piece of sea between Kenya and the Arab peninsula has led Kenya to be invaded and colonized by Arab traders and kingdoms for many centuries before the Europeans arrived. The Europeans from the 16th century on could also enter (the coast area of) Kenya more easily since the inner part of Africa would only totally be accessed by Europeans in the course of the 19th century.
In other aspects, Kenya's location at the Indian Ocean coast is important, too. It's Mombasa harbour is the biggest harbour of East Africa and ensures a lot of trade from/to East Africa goes through Kenya.
Within Kenya, there are quite considerable difference in temperatures, often due to altitude. Mombasa at the coast is much hotter than Nairobi, which is located higher and has a relatively moderate climate. That's why the British built Nairobi from 1899 on at the current spot, as a headquarter for the construction of a big railway.
Mount Kenya, the 2nd biggest mountain in Africa, has been and still is important for several Kenyan tribes, who believe their god(s) live on top of the mountain.
