The Indigenous Tribes of Kenya

The Kenyan tribes can be divided into three main groups depending on the language family they speak, Bantu, Nilotic and Cushite. The Bantu speakers form the largest group of tribes in Kenya followed by the Nilotes, then Cushites.

A.  BANTU TRIBES

The word Bantu means people. The Bantu speakers are related through their south-central Niger-Congo languages. Although there are many accounts of the Bantu origin, a widely accepted narrative is that the Bantu speakers arose from the West African region marking the present-day Cameroon and Nigeria. The Bantu speakers in Kenya are believed to have migrated from Central Africa around 2000BC in search for new lands for their expanding population, farming, and pasture for their livestock. In Kenya, the Bantu can be categorized into three major clusters. The highland Bantu settled around the Mt. Kenya, Aberdares Range and other central regions of Kenya and include the Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere, Meru, and the Akamba. The inter-cluster Bantu settled around the Lake Victoria basin and western regions of Kenya and include the Kisii, Kuria, and Luhya. The north, east coast Bantu settled in the coastal regions of Kenya and include the Taita and Mijikenda.

1. Kikuyu

The Kikuyu people are mostly found in the Mount Kenya and Central regions of Kenya. Along with the other Bantu tribes, they are believed to have originated from West Africa and settled in Central Kenya. They are the largest tribe in Kenya and speak the Kikuyu language. In their indigenous religion, the Gikuyu believed in a god called Ngai who started their tribe by creating a man called Gikuyu and a woman called Mumbi. Gikuyu and Mumbi gave birth to nine children who became the ascendants of the Kikuyu clans and tribe. The name Gikuyu is derived from Swahili mukuyu, which means sycamore tree. Hence, the Kikuyu folklore describes them as children of the sycamore tree. The traditional foods of Kikuyus include, githeri (mixture of cooked maize and beans) mukimo (mashed potato and peas), and irio (mashed potatoes, peas, and corn). The Kikuyu are mostly farmers cultivating and business people owning small, medium and large-sized enterprises. Mugithi, a music style characterized by acoustic guitar is a signature sound of the Kikuyu traditional music. Some of the prominent people in Kenya from the Kikuyu tribe include, the late Jomo Kenyatta – the first president of Kenya, the late Dedan Kimathi – a Mau Mau movement leader, the late prof. Wangari Maathai – a Nobel Laureate and environmental activist, and Ngugi wa Thoingo – a world-renowned author.

Kikuyu’s ngurario (traditional wedding ceremony) where groom has to select his bride among women covered in the same attire. Image by Travel Discover Kenya https://urlzs.com/7pxvX via idigitalmedium.

2. Meru

The Ameru people mostly reside in the fertile, soil-rich northeastern slopes of mt. Kenya and practice agriculture and livestock farming. The Kimiiru/Kimeru language is subdivided into nine dialects which form the subtribes of the Meru and include, Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, Igoji, Miutuni, Muthaki, Mwimbi, Tharaka and Chuka. Miraa (khat) is largely cultivated by the Meru, alongside staple foods such as, potatoes, corn, millet, beans, and the cash crops tea and cotton. The typical Meru dish includes, mukimo (mashed potatoes and green peas), muthikore (mixture of cooked corn and beans or peas), ucuru (fermented millet, sorghum, or corn porridge), nyama cia gwakia (roasted meat), and rugicu (meat glazed with honey). The traditional Meru society strongly observes family and community values. Gender roles are distinctively defined with males playing protectors and heads of their families while women nurture their family. The extended family is largely involved in rites of passage such as male circumcision, dowry negotiations, and marriage. Female circumcision is no longer practiced. The Ameru are usually governed by a council of elders known as the Njuri Cheke who make and execute community laws, settle disputes, and are the custodians of the Meru traditional culture.

Nthuki, members of an Ameru age set. Image by Ameru via https://urlzs.com/FQND8

3. Embu and Mbeere

The Aembu people mostly inhabit the rich agricultural region in the southern foothills of Mt. Kenya. They practice agriculture and produce cash crops including, coffee, tea, macadamia nuts, arrowroots and cassava and rear livestock – cows, goats, sheep. Their cousin tribe the Mbeere who split from the Embu after an inter-clan conflict, inhabit the drier parts of the Embu region. They depend on the Embu for food supplies during drought seasons. The Mbeere speak the Kimbeere language but other than that, their customs and rituals as similar to the Embu people who speak the Kiembu language. In their traditional religion, the Embu and Mbeere believed in a god called Ngai, who lives on top of mt. Kenya and to whom prayers and sacrifices are made. The sacred places in Embu and Mbeere are called Matiiri. According to their mythology, Ngai created Mwene-Ndega and gave him a beautiful woman called Nthara by a waterfall at Mbui Njeru. It is from this place that the Embu tribe was born and spread. Circumcision is an important rite of passage for all Embu and Mbeere males.

Embu dancers during a traditional circumcision ceremony. Image by Go Visit Kenya via https://urlzs.com/whQUT.

4. Kamba

The Akamba people mostly reside in the Eastern parts and towards the Coastal regions of Kenya. They speak Kikamba language. They were long distance traders in the pre-colonial times and are renowned for their woodcarving and weaving crafts. Their colorfully decorated sisal baskets and wooden sculptures adorn curio shops, open air markets, and art galleries in Kenya. Kambas also practiced farming, pastoralism and hunting. The Kamba signature food is muthokoi (cooked mixture of maize and pigeon peas or beans). The Kamba have traditional songs for various occasions characterized by lively strings and drums. Their dance involves swift, dramatic leg movements. They believed in the god Mulungu, the Asa (father) who lives in yayayani (sky). A sense of family and kinship was strong in the traditional Kamba community. The man (nau/tata/asa) was also the provider and head of the family and traded, hunted, or herded. The woman (mwaitu) raised her children and made sure her family had enough to eat by growing foods like pigeon peas, arrowroots, cassava, maize, millet, sweet potatoes and water melons. On dowry and marriage, the groom paid bride price in form of cattle, sheep or goats to the family of the bride-to-be. The birthing circumstances determined child-naming. For example, Nduku and Mutuku are names given to a girl or boy born at night respectively. In some cases, children are named after grandparents or departed members of the family.

Display of woodcarvings by the Akamba. Image by Chris Marshall via Woodworker’s Journal https://urlzs.com/rZbrT.

5. Luhya

The Abaluhya mostly occupy the western regions of Kenya. They are the second largest tribe in Kenya. Luhya is made up of at least seventeen sub-tribes that speak unique dialects. Some can comprehend one another, others can’t. Some share similar customs, others don’t. Nevertheless, common practices among the Luhya tribes are their patriarchal societies. It was the duty of men to protect and provide for their families. Women were nurtures and child bearers. Polygamy was common. The first wife was respected and held the highest status. Wealth was measured in terms of size of land, number of cattle, and number of wives and children. Male children were treasured to continue the family line. A man with many daughters took comfort on the wealth he would receive once the girls were married and the dowry paid. Marrying within the same family or clan was a taboo. The Luhya had opulent feasts and rituals surrounding every event including birthing, courting, marriage, funeral, and initiation. Rites of passage involved circumcising males. The age, season, and circumcision ritual vary from one subtribe to another. Oral tradition was used to share folklore and teach lessons. The Luhya are farmers and cultivate a diversity of crops including maize, sorghum, millet, sugarcane and tea. They also rear domestic animals like cattle and chicken. Ugali (a cereal flour meal) is a signature Luhya meal and can be accompanied by stews such as chicken, meat, fish, and traditional vegetables. Tea is also largely brewed.

Luhya subtribes

Bukusu

Form the largest Luhya population. Mostly settled in Bungoma and Mt. Elgon environs. Speak Lubukusu. Their god Were Kakhaba created Mwambu and Sela who gave birth to the Bukusu clans. Observed various spiritual ceremonies officiated by traditional diviners. Their villages were fortified and headed by Omukasa (village elder). Simakulu (the eldest son) was his father’s heir. Birthing circumstances determined naming. Boys’ names likely to begin with ‘W’ and girls’ name with ‘N’. For example, Wanjala and Nanjala referring to a boy or girl born during a famine respectively. Traditional music instruments include litungu (lyre), silili (fiddle). Known for the Kamaveka dance that involves shimming the shoulders to the rhythm of the music. Many customs associated with the Luhya tribe are probably from the Bukusu.

Maragoli

Forms the second largest Luhya population. Speak Lulogoli. Mostly settled in the Vihiga district of Kenya. Believe to be descendants of Mulogooli and his wife Kaliyesa who had four children that gave rise to the various Maragoli clans. A village was made up of at least ten families and was headed by the Ligutu (village elder). Only sons inherited their father’s property. Children were named after the ancestors in their clans.

Banyala

Mostly occupy Busia and northwestern parts of Kakamega district. Speak Lunyala. Notable leaders include Mukhamba who led them to their current settlement, and Ndombi wa Namusia, a powerful political monarchist.

Banyore

Speak Olunyole. Occupy Bunyore, a stony area in Vihiga district. Mostly harvest stones and gravel for the construction industry.

Batsotso

Speak Olutsotso. Occupy western regions of Kakamega.

Idakho

Speak Lwidakho. Occupy southern parts of Kakamega district. Involved in pottery and digging gold along Rivers Yala and Sigalagala.

Isukha

Speak Lwisukha. Occupy mostly the eastern parts of Kakamega district. Famous for the isikuti (drums) dance and bull fighting competitions.

Kabras

Speak Lukabarasi. Occupy Malava areas within Kabras division. The name Kabras originates from Avalasi which means mighty warriors. The Kabras engaged in endless battles for land and cattle with the Kalenjin communities in the past. They mostly practice maize and sugarcane farming.

Khayo

Speak Lukhayo. Occupy Nambale district in Busia.

Kisa

Speak Olushisa and mostly occupy the Khwisero district of western Kenya.

Marachi

Speak Lumarachi. Mostly occupy Butula district in Busia. Believed to have descended from Ng’ono Mwami, son of Musebe, son of Sirikwa. Fought and defeated the Luo of Jok Omollo in the past. Practiced fishing in port Victoria and Sio Port.

Marama

Speak Olumarama. Occupy Butere and Mumias districts of Western Kenya. Practice crop farming.

Samia

Speak Lusamia. Occupy southern region of Busia. Mostly practice fishing, livestock rearing and crop farming.

Tachoni

Speak Lutachoni. Occupy Malava, Lugari and Bungoma districts.

Tiriki

Speak Ludiliji. Occupy the Tiriki area within Vihiga district. The (itumii) circumcision ceremony took place in the forest. Initiates were isolated to live in the forest where they were taught manly responsibilities before the circumcision ceremony.

Wanga

Speak Oluwanga. Occupy Mumias and Matungu districts of western Kenya. Were ruled under the kingship of Nabongo Mumia during precolonial era. Practice sugarcane farming.

Bull fighting ceremony in a Luhya community center. Image by Let’s Go Kenya via https://bit.ly/2N1GqW5

6. Kisii

The Kisii/Gusii inhabit a rich fertile land in the southwestern Kenya, in between the Luhya and Luo tribes. They speak the Ekegusii. Various clans make up the Kisii tribe and each is headed by a clan leader. Marriage between members of the same clan or family was prohibited. The chisigani (marriage intermediaries) were used to find and match suitable partners. The traditional wedding was facilitated by the omoimari, a mentor that ensured the married couple had support in their new life. The traditional Kisii society was a patriarchy where the man was the authoritative figure of his household while women played nurturing roles. Polygamy was practiced. Boys were circumcised in a traditional ceremony as an initiation into adulthood. Children were named according to seasons or recurring events at the time of birth. Only males could inherit their father’s property. The god Engoro was worshipped. Calamities in the community were believed to be caused by the ebirecha (displeased spirits of ancestors), and witches (abarogi). Diviners (abaragori) were consulted on rituals to appease the ebirecha. Sorcerers (abanyamosira and omoriori) were consulted to identify and remove spells cast by witches. Traditional healers (abanyamoriogi)cured ailments through the use of plant or herb formulations while the ababari (surgeons) performed cuts to heal fractures and aches. The Gusii had a rich oral tradition that told legends and mythologies of their community. The obokano (lyre) is an instrument featured in traditional Kisii music and dance. The Kisii are farmers and business people. Bananas, millet, sorghum, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkins, and traditional vegetables are some of the crops produced in Kisii land. They also rear livestock. Besides agriculture, the Kisii practice basketry, pottery, and soapstone carving. The signature Kisii cuisine is ugali (made from sorghum, millet or maize flour) served with vegetables or meat stew, matoke (cooked green bananas) and fermented milk.

A traditional Kisii dance performance with the Obokano lyre. Image by Soft Kenya via https://urlzs.com/xBsuK.

7. Kuria

The Abakurya are neighbors to the Kisii and move further southwest to the neighboring north Tanzania environs. In the past, men were herders while women stayed behind to look after the home and care for the children. As they were mostly pastoralists, they were in clashes with neighboring clans and tribes like the Maasai over cattle rustling. The Kuria today mostly practice farming and produce maize, beans, cassava and tobacco. They also keep livestock. The Kuria also practice carpentry, basketry, pottery, and leather tanning. Traditionally, names were given to children after the ancestors and sacrifices were offered during the naming ceremony. The Kuria believed that their ancestors were reborn through their children. Names were also given based on events at birth such as famine, rains, and earthquakes. Male and female circumcision (saro) as a rite of passage was practiced. The circumcised were usually assigned to an esaro (age-set group). Members of the same esaro were not allowed to intermarry. The uncircumcised (mulisya) too could neither marry nor own property. Marriage was arranged by the fathers and ceremony would take place a few months after payment of dowry. Music and dance were part of the traditional Kuria culture and some of their instruments included zeze (violin), and ritungu (lyre). Their beauty rituals involved men straightening their hair with hot coal in a tin and dying it with red clay. Women, on the other hand shaved their head but wore many beads around their necks. Both men and women pierced and stretched their ears into long, hanging loops.

Kuria women witnessing a circumcision ritual. Image by GoNomad via https://urlzs.com/sSjQA

8. Taita

The Taita tribe is made up of three closely related sub-tribes and dialects namely. Wadawida, Wasaghala, and Wataveta. They occupy the expansive lands in the Taita Taveta region in southern Kenya towards the Coast. Through farming and livestock rearing, they supply the majority of the coastal region with cerals, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. They also mine gemstones such as ruby, garnet, and tanzanite in the drier parts of Taita. The traditional cuisine includes, kimanga (mashed, mixed beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas and pumpkins), and mbangara (drink made from sugarcane, cassava or corn). Circumcision of young males as a rite of passage was practiced. Spiritual beliefs and practices revolved around the milimu (ancestral spirits). The supreme god Mlungu was prayed to for blessings. They also made offerings to the ancestors who were considered the gods of the household. A year after a funeral ritual and burial, the dead body would be exhumed, and the skull dismembered from the rest of the body and taken to a sacred cave where the ancestors dwelt. Traditional music and dance were expressed through performances like the kirindi. Musical instruments included nderera (horn) firimbi (whistle), njuga (ankle jingles) and mwazindika (hollow-trunk drum, top covered with skin). Clothes were made from sheep or goat skin, bark of trees, or banana leaves that were worn waist down. Skirts were made from sisal and worn during traditional dances. They lived in huts with mud walls and thatched roofs.

Taita Mwazindika performers. Image by Mwandambo Pascal via https://urlzs.com/mQBtV

9. Mijikenda

Mijikenda means nine communities. The Mijikenda occupy the coastal region of Kenya including Kilifi, Malindi, and Lamu. The Mijikenda are nine tribes with similarities in language and customs. The societies are patriarchal in nature and usually organized around clans and age-sets. Each clan had a kaya (shrine) situated deep in the forest for religious rites. Cutting trees and vegetation in the shrine areas was believed to invite torment and curses. The religious leader of a kaya was the eldest man and believed to possess supernatural powers. He could act on behalf of Mulungu (god) and the ancestral spirits. Marriages were arranged, and ceremonies performed after the groom’s family accepts the bride and pays the dowry price. It was not uncommon for poor fathers to offer their daughters to rich men in order to earn from the dowry or to settle debts. Polygamy was commonly practiced. Extended families resided in a homestead called a mji. The man was the head of his household. A mji would have huts belonging to the man and his wives, and his sons with their wives and children. The Mijikenda houses were mainly made of mud walls and makuti (palm branches) roofs. Circumcision of males marked initiation into adulthood. Circumcision was performed at dawn in a sacred forest by renowned community’s herbalist or traditional doctor. The Mijikenda are mostly agriculturalists, producing cashew nuts, coconuts, mangoes, apples and oranges. They are also fishermen practicing their trade in the surrounding Indian ocean. Staple foods within the Mijikenda communities include rice, fish, and pigeon peas dipped in coconut milk. Sea food like prawns are also consumed. Madafu (coconut water) and mnazi (palm wine) are traditional beverages. The Mijikenda attire includes men wearing a shuka (sheet) from waist down, and women wearing a lesso or dera (The Mijikenda have a rich oral tradition shared through songs, folklore, and proverbs. A culture of modesty is highly instilled, and the young are taught to respect their elders.

The Mijikenda subtribes

Giriama

One of the largest Mijikenda tribes. Speak Kigiryama. Mostly found in Kilifi County. Notable persons include Mekatilili wa Menza, a woman warrior and prophetess during colonial times.

Digo

They speak Chidigo. Also form a large population of the Mijikenda. Mostly found in Kwale County. Women were excluded from political and economic discussions. Digos considered among the best cooks in the region.

Chonyi

They speak Kichonyi. Make traditional music by using the chiring’ong’o (xylophone).

Duruma

They speak Kiduruma. Are mostly farmers.

Jibana

They speak Kijibana. Mostly live in Kaloleni area of Kilifi and were mainly farmers, hunters, and gatherers.

Kambe

They speak Kikambe.

Kauma

They speak Kikauma. Have a traditional government system and take great pride in preserving their sacred places.

Rabai

They speak Kirabai. Consider the Kaya Mudzi Muvya a sacred forest of their community.

Ribe

They speak Kiribe.

Giriama girls pounding corn. Image by Anna Williams via https://bit.ly/2ooq8b5

10.      Swahili

Waswahili mostly occupies the coast region of Kenya in Mombasa and other islands in the Indian Ocean. The tribe emerged through the interaction of Portuguese, Arab, Persian, and Hindi traders with Bantu populations during the precolonial trade era. Although Kiswahili is Kenya’s national language in its standard form, the dialect spoken by the Swahili tribe has some vocabulary and accent variations that may even be incomprehensible to other Kenyans The Arabic culture influences most of the Swahili beliefs and customs. The majority of the Swahili are Muslims by religion. Marriage marks an initiation to adulthood and is usually prearranged. Women and men do not mix freely. The traditional attire entails a white or cream kanzu (long robe) and a kufi (hat) worn by men. Women dress in buibui (free-sized black dresses) and cover their head and neck with hijabu (silk scarf). It is common for men to dye their beard with red henna while women use the same to draw decorative patterns on their hands and bodies. The Swahili enjoy poetry and express music through Taarab. This is a style of music characterized by slow drum beats and an oriental feel to it. Accordions and violins are used. Chakacha music style has a faster tempo that motivates dancing by quicker waist and hip movements. The Swahili are mostly merchants and own a variety of trading centers and shops. Goods traded include clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, spices, and fresh and dried sea foods. The signature Swahili cuisine is pilau (spiced rice) and white rice dipped in coconut milk. These can be served with fish, vegetables, or meat. The Swahili are also considered to be great cooks. The influence of the Islam religion means that the Swahili are prohibited from eating pork and drinking alcohol. Other meat that are consumed must meet halal requirements as dictated by Sharia laws. In addition to trade, the Swahili also have unique architectural topography, for example, dome-shaped carvings with inscriptions, in construction of mosques and houses. Their old towns are made of stones. The architecture is mostly of traditional Persian or Arabic style. The Swahili instill a culture of modesty and generosity in their culture.

Gedi ruins, an old African-Arabic town architectural presentation in Mombasa-Malindi. Image by Kenya Advisor via https://bit.ly/2WUXLj5

B.  NILOTES

The Nilotic speakers are part of the Nilo-Saharan language family. It is believed that the Nilotic speakers migrated from the Nile River area in Northern Africa and extended to the south of modern-day Tanzania. Nilotic speakers in Kenya are believed to have arrived in the country through the South Sudan route around 500 BC. The Luo entered through the west of Kenya, the Maasai, Samburu and Kalenjin through the north Kenya and migrating southwards along the plains of the Rift Valley. As such, we have the Highland or Southern Nilotes comprising of the Kalenjin, the Lake or Western Nilotes comprising the Luo, and the Plains or Eastern Nilotes comprising the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana.

11.      Luo

The Luo form the third largest tribe in Kenya and speak Dholuo. They mostly occupy the Lake Victoria region in Western Kenya including Kisumu, Siaya, and Homabay. The fresh water lake provides the local community with economic activities as fishermen and also food. Kuon (ugali) served with ngenge (tilapia), mbuta (nile perch), or omena (sardines) is a common cuisine of the lakeside. The meal can also be accompanied by traditional African vegetables like apoth and osuga. In some areas, sugarcane, cotton, and rice are grown and quarry mined. The Jaluo are also known to be talented in technical skills like carpentry, weaving, and hair braiding. They call their god Nyasaye and hold strong beliefs and practices around the ancestors and spirits. Unlike most Bantu tribes, they didn’t practice circumcision in the traditional sense. Instead, they removed their six lower teeth as an initiation into adulthood. The Luo observed marriage and funeral rituals through opulent feasts that took place for several days. Families of potential spouses introduced themselves to one another and the marriage ceremony carried out after the bride price has been paid by the groom. The dowry payment began by the Ayie, where money and gifts were given to the bride’s mother, followed by dowry negotiations then a ceremony to give the dowry or cattle to the father. The marriage ceremony would then take place. They practiced wife inheritance. The traditional funeral ceremony is called tero buru. The traditional music and dance of the Luo is distinct in the tunes of ohangla and benga. Instruments such as nyatiti (lyre), orutu (fiddle), nyangile (cymbals), bul (drum), asili (flute), and tung (horn) are used in traditional music. The Luo have songs for various occasions including religious ceremonies, courtship, marriage, funerals, working, competitions, and socialization. Traditional costumes and ornaments included large hats adorned with feathers, colored sisal skirts, and beads worn around the neck and waist.

Luo Ramogi dancers. Image by African Safari Directory via https://urlzs.com/UqL3W

12.      Kalenjin

The Kalenjin are the fourth largest ethnic group in Kenya and are made up of eight subtribes with similar linguistic and cultural features. They are worldly renowned for their athletic prowess and have won medals for the country in international competitions. Their environment in the highlands of the Rift Valley enables them to adapt to low altitude conditions which becomes advantageous in low oxygen conditions of running. Kalenjin also cultivate cash crops such as tea, coffee and wheat and keep large herds of cattle. The warrior element was strong in the traditional Kalenjin society. They are patriarchal with men taking on provider and protector roles while women take home nurturing and child bearing roles. Male circumcision ceremonies take place to usher boys into adulthood as men. Circumcised boys were placed in age-sets. Marriage rituals began with kaayaaet’ap koito (proposal and introduction), koito (formal engagement, family visitation and exchange of gifts), and the tunisiet (the official wedding ceremony. The traditional religion involved the supreme god Asis whose symbol is the sun and Elat, the deity of thunder and lightning. The Kalenjin mythology was based on beliefs surrounding the dead (oyik) to whom sacrifices were offered in order to uplift torment against the living. Religious rituals were facilitated by the orkoik (diviners) who were also believed to have supernatural abilities. The traditional Kalenjin clothing was made of animal skin. Both males and females pierced and stretched their earlobes and wore heavy brass coil earrings. Oral tradition in songs, riddles, poetry, and proverbs were used to pass down lessons to future generations. The Kalenjin lived in round huts plastered with mud and thatched roofs. The signature Kalenjin cuisine include mursik (fermented milk,kimnyet (ugali) accompanied by meat or traditional African vegetables. Notable persons include former president Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (Tugen) who ruled Kenya for over two decades, and Eliud Kipchoge Keino (Nandi) a multiple Olympic gold medalist in athletics.

Kalenjin subtribes

Kipsigis

Form the largest population of the Kalenjin tribes. Speak Kipsigis. Traditional occupation was pastoralism. Practice farming, growing corn, tea, wheat and pyrethrum.

Nandi

Speak Nandi. Most popular Kalenjin sub-tribe. Males are categorized into three groups – boys, warriors and elders while females are categorized into girls and married women. An age set of circumcised boys is called ibinda.

Tugen

Speak Tugen. In addition to Asis, they also revered Chepapkoyo, the god of harvest and Cheptengeryan, the god of love. An age-set of circumcised males is known as ibindo.

Elgeyo

Speak Keiyo. Refer to an age-set as an ebenda.

Marakwet

Speak Markweta dialect. An assembly of adult males in a clan is called asiswo and is recognized as the highest authority. Another name for Asis is Chebetip Chemataw in Marakweta. Sacrifices are made to Ilat, the god of thunder to appease the deity for good harvest or to forgive the community’s mistakes.

Sabaot

Speak the Sabaot language. Practiced male circumcision to show bravery and cleanliness and female circumcision to control promiscuity. Warriors are revered. Are considered the keepers of the Kalenjin traditions.

Terik

Refer to themselves as Terikeek and speak Terik dialect.  Raided neighboring communities for cattle, land, and women. Are neighbors with the Nandi, Luhya and Luo. Fear of intermarriage with the Luhya and Luo caused them to live their lands and retreat inwards to assimilate with the Nandi.

Pokot

Speak Pokoot language. Young boys are referred to as karachona, circumcised men as muren, and old men as poi. Women were also circumcised and married off at a young age. Pokot are usually in continuous conflicts with the Turkana and Samburu communities due to cattle raiding amongst themselves.

Sotet or gourds used for mursik fermentation by the Kalenjin. Image by Ngarua Maarifa via https://bit.ly/2WXvFZ9

13.      Maasai

The Maasai are likely the most authentic in terms of representing their culture. They speak the Maa language. They are nomadic pastoralists are also known to organize cattle raids to expand their community’s wealth. The Maasai mostly live in the wild as their homes are within game reserves and parks. The warrior element is strong in the Maasai culture. From an early age, boys are taught manly responsibilities and to be warriors so as to protect their families, fight wild animals, and protect their wealth. Eunoto is a ceremony where boys are graduated to warriors while olng’eshere is a ceremony where warriors are graduated to elders. Both females and males were circumcised. The emorata or the girl circumcision ceremony graduated a girl to a woman ready for marriage. Women make beads, build manyattas, (circular, semi-permanent houses) cook, clean, and take care of their children. Elderly women educate the younger women on the ways of womanhood and culture. Marriage partners were usually chosen by the parents while the children were still young and married off at the appropriate time. Men built fences around their homesteads and shed for their cattle. Wealth in the Maasai community was measured by the number of cattle and children that a man had. The Maasai have a distinct attire style. They wrap themselves in red sheets (shuka) that can have plaid or line patterns of other colors such as blue, black, or white.  Women wear loads of colorful, beaded jewelry around their heads, neck, and arms. Both men and women pierce and stretch their earlobes. They wear sandals made from cow hide and beaded ornate. Usually, they shave their heads except for the warriors who wear long, braided hair. Their traditional god Enkai can take the form of the benevolent Enkai Narok (black god) or the vengeful Enkai Na-nyoike (red god). The lion is tribe’s totem animal. The laibon, or the traditional healer facilitated religious rituals of divination, shamanism, and prophecy. Animal slaughter was made to Enkai during some religious ceremonies. Two, lower front teeth were usually removed to provide a passage for traditional healing and protection against childhood diseases. The Maasai have a distinct dancing style that entails jumping several feet high perpendicular to the ground. The meal of the Maasai consists of raw meat, milk, and blood.

Maasai warriors doing the high jump dance. Image by David Mark via Pixabay.

14.      Samburu

The Samburu are a cousin of the Maasai. They also speak Maa language but at a faster tempo compared to the Maasai. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists and are also authentic to their traditions. The approach to beauty and dressing is also similar to the Maasai tribe with red shukas, beaded jewelry, and shaved heads for women. Men dye their hair with red ochre while the warriors wear long braided hair. Traditionally, both boys and girls are circumcised. For boys, this means a passage to adulthood where they can be warriors, while circumcised girls are ready for marriage. Beading was practiced where young, uncircumcised girls would be given to the warriors for sex in exchange for beads. However, they could not be married or have children. Uncircumcised girls who got pregnant were given herbal concoctions to induce an abortion. The Samburu live in manyattas. Each fenced compound houses up to ten families. Women stay behind to care for their children while men go to herd and raid. Their traditional spirituality involved the god Ngai who was believed to live in the mountains. The loibonok (diviners) intervened to Nkai on behalf of the humans. Maize, milk and blood are common to the diet of the Samburu. Unlike the Maasai, the Samburu do not eat meat often but only on special ceremonies. Blood from animals is drawn by piercing a vein using a knife or spear and resealing the wound with hot ashes.

Samburu girl adorning beaded jewelry. Image by Kenya Advisor via https://bit.ly/2WTB52v

15.      Turkana

The Turkana occupy the harsh, dry environment in northwestern Kenya. They speak Turkana. They are pastoralists like the Maasai and Samburu and they live as nomads to find water and pasture for their herds. The quantity of cattle is a marker of wealth. They often raid other communities to acquire more cattle for their herds. The Turkana do not have a strong collective system like the Maasai, Samburu and Pokot. Every family head fends for its own even when herding as a group. Polygamy was acceptable, and dependent on the man’s wealth. The Turkana do not practice male circumcision and lack specific rituals for adulthood initiation. They dress in bright colorful attires like the Maasai and Samburu. The men dye their hair with red ochre while women adorn themselves with beaded jewelry. The style and quantity of jewelry that a woman wears determines her social status. Some of the Turkana crafts include making of bracelets, necklaces and anklets. They also carve clubs, make spears and knives. Their skills in woodcarving, stone carving and metalwork are notable. The Turkana depend on their herd for milk and meat and money when they sell them. Women gathered wild fruits and berries to complement their meals. Fishing is also practiced in Lake Turkana. Dome-shaped houses are constructed on wooden frameworks covered with skins, hides, and branches. Their traditional religion involved the supreme god Akuj who dwells in the sky. Individuals can pray directly to Akuj or through requesting the spirits of their ancestors to intervene.

A group of Turkana women and children standing in front of their dome-shaped house structure. Image by Amaica via https://urlzs.com/JceJc

16.      Teso

The Iteso speak Ateso and occupy Western Kenya and Central Uganda regions. They are farmers cultivating millet, cotton and also keeping livestock. They believed in the supreme god Akuj, and also the deity of calamities, Edeke, to whom sacrifices were made to appease. The Ekutet marked a ceremony where a dead body was exhumed, and a ritual performed to wave off the spirit of the dead believed to torment the living. The ritual was held by elderly people and involved slaughtering a bull and drinking ajon, the traditional beer. The Teso didn’t practice circumcision. Instead, four lower teeth were removed to mark an initiation into adulthood. Marriage ceremonies were conducted after dowry negotiations and payment. Due to the patriarchal nature of the society, women were not included in any decision-making. They were viewed in the same light as children and they were many taboos guiding their behavior. For example, women were not allowed to eat chicken or eggs or rabbit meat, but they cooked these delicacies for their men. Women were expected to obey without question or risk being punished by their husband.

A group of Teso men sharing Ajon a traditional brew. Image by SouthWorld via https://bit.ly/2Y5oLh0

C.   CUSHITES

The Cushite speakers are part of the Afro-Asiatic language family. The Cushites in Kenya make up a small section of the ethnic population. They are known to have originally migrated from northeastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia where there are prominent groups of Cushitic languages. The Somali and Oromo who are the largest Cushite speaking tribes in Kenya belong to the Eastern Cushites sub-group.

17.      Somali

The Somali form the largest Cushitic tribe in Kenya. The majority settled in northeastern Kenya after fleeing civil war in their country, Somalia. They speak Somali language. They are Muslims and Islam influences their way of life.  The Somali believed to have descended from Samaale who gave birth to their various clans. Somali is a patriarchal society organized into families and clans. Men can marry up to four wives as guided by the Islam religion. Suitable partners are usually matched based on clan alliances and marriages arranged. The clan is the highest kinship level. They had a social stratification system consisting of the bilis (nobles), the sab (agro-pastoralists), and the lowest caste. Professional groups included the midgan (circumcisers and hunters), tomal (smiths and leather workers), and the yebir (magicians and tanners). The lowest caste of Somali were slaves of Bantu origin usually referred to as the jareer. Both male and female circumcision was practiced. In their nomadic pastoralism life, Somalis kept animals including camels, goats, sheep and indigenous cattle. Dairy products, meat, rice and baasto (pasta) and digaag (chicken) form important parts of the Somali diet. The Somali are also renowned merchants in the country trading a variety of items including clothing apparel, spices, and jewelry. Somali men usually wear the jellabiya (a long white garment) and a turban (koofiyad). The Somali women wear a dirac (long, saree dress wrapped in various styles) and cover their heads with an abaya (head scarf). Somali women also tend to wear gold jewelry including bracelets, necklaces and nose and earrings. Poetry is a rich oral tradition among the Somali.

The Somali in a traditional ceremony. Image by Culture Trip via https://urlzs.com/BvT4J

18.      Rendille

The Rendille occupy the northern parts of Kenya. They speak Rendille. The camel is the most treasured animal of this semi-nomadic pastoralist tribe as it can withstand the harsh desert conditions of their environment. The Rendille also herd sheep, goats, and indigenous cattle. Gender and age-set systems were strong in the Rendille society and initiation rites are carried every seven to fourteen years. Boys became warriors through circumcision. Men protected their families. They also took care of the cattle. Women roles depend on whether they are unmarried or married and are tasked with household duties and child-rearing. Marrying a person from the same clan is a taboo. Parents usually arranged marriages through the interclan relationships. A Rendille man could only own property after he married. He also became part of the leadership system in his clan. A girl could only gain a clan identity after she married. Rendille clans usually live together in one large establishment of semi-permanent structures. All families are looked after through the clan system which ensure all the members have an equal access to food and water. They worshipped the god Wakh. Sacrifices, including milk libations are offered to the deity. Red shukas, animal skin, and colorful beads form part of the Rendille attire.

A Rendille homestead. Image by GoUNESCO via https://urlzs.com/Dw6tu

19.      Oromo (Galla)

The Oromo tribe occupies Ethiopia and northern Kenya in Marsabit and Moyale. The Oromo tribe is a cluster of the Borana Oromo or Boran who form the largest group of Oromo in Kenya. Other Oromo subethnic groups include, and the Gabbra, Sakuye, Arsi, and Gujji. They speak the Oromo language. The Boran speak Borana which can be slightly incomprehensible to the other Oromo speakers. Like other Cushitic tribes in Kenya, the Oromo led a semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle herding cattle, sheep, and goats. Gender roles were distinct with men protecting their families and herds while women cared for the home. They moved at least three times a year in search for pasture and water for their flock. Hence, their establishment usually consisted of semi-permanent houses interwoven with branches. These were made by women. Ten to thirty houses are usually set up within a compound. The Borana worship the supreme god Waq. The qalla (diviners) serve as intermediaries between mortals and Waq. Oral tradition through songs and stories provided informal education to the children. A typical Oromo society was made up of age-set systems referred to as the Gadaa. The Gadaa system guided the political, religious, and judicial system of the Borana Oromo. Five males from various clans were appointed to oversee the Gadaa system for a term of eight years before another age-set is established. The initiation of males into adulthood was an important time for the community. During the rites of passage, a big ceremony was held, and the entire village would gather to watch young men compete on bull-riding races.

Oromo women wearing gorfo (leather dress made from cow skin) during a gadaa initiation ceremony. Image by UNESCO via https://urlzs.com/USvxY