Here's why:

* Stratovolcanoes are characterized by their steep conical shape, built up by layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic debris.

* Cinder cones are much smaller and are formed by the accumulation of tephra (fragments of volcanic rock) around a vent.

* Shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping shape formed by very fluid lava flows.

Mount Kenya's towering height, steep slopes, and layered structure clearly indicate that it is a stratovolcano.