Kenya Tribes

Of the 40 or more ethnic groups currently in Kenya, the main Kenya tribes are Kikuyu (21%), Meru (5%), Kalenjin, Luyha, Luo (14%), Kisii, Kamba, Swahili, Masai, and Turkana.If you trace the history of Kenya, it is evident that the main ethnic groups of Kenya are the Bantu who migrated from western Africa, the Nilotic people who originated from Sudan and the Hamitic group, who were mainly pastoral tribes from Ethiopia and Somalia. The other large ethnic groups include the Luo, Luhya, Kamba and Kalenjin.There are also some groups of people who form a very small population.

Some interesting facts about the main Kenya tribes are:

Maasai Tribe

• The Maasai tribe is found mainly in Southern Kenya

• The Massai myths say that their rain God Ngai granted all cattle to them for safe keeping when the earth and sky split. Since cattle were given to the Massai, they also believe that it is their right to steal from other tribes.

• The Massai prefer to remain nomadic herdsmen although it is becoming more difficult in modern times as their open plains are slowly disappearing.

Samburu Tribe

* The Samburu Tribe lives at the foothills of Mount Kenya

* They are semi-nomadic pastoralists whose mainstay is rearing livestock.

* Milk is their staple diet, sometimes it is mixed with blood. Meat is only eaten on special occasions. Generally they make soups from roots and bark and eat vegetables wherever it can be grown.

* Most of the Samburu tribe dress in very traditional clothing of bright red material used like a skirt and multi-beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Turkana Tribe

• The Turkana Tribe are the second largest group of nomadic pastoralists in Kenya and they live in northern Kenya

• The Turkana tribe wears traditional dress and ornaments, which are bright and charming.