Kenya's Tribes: History, Culture & Traditions

Kenya, a land of impeccable African landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to a host of fascinating tribes, each with its unique traditions and ways of life. From the agricultural Bantu to the nomadic Nilotes and Cushites, the diversity of these communities is a testament to Kenya's vibrant and multifaceted society and rich history.

Join us as we explore the fascinating histories, customs, and lifestyles of some of Kenya’s more renowned tribes, offering a window into the people that have helped shape this nation into the wonder that it is today.

While the official answer to this question is 44 – the communities recognised by the Kenyan government – these groups are all split into different clans or sub-tribes. Each of these in turn will have their own unique way of life. For example, the Luhya tribe is made up of over 18 separate families.

It is also worth noting that the myriad tribes that call Kenya home can be split into three distinctive ethnic groups: Bantu, Nilote and Cushite. The tribes that sit within these three distinct groups share similar traditions, histories and often languages.

The Bantu ethnic group makes up the largest section of the Kenyan population. What distinguishes them from the other two ethnic groups is their stationary lifestyle, traditionally opting for farming as opposed to Kenya’s nomadic tribes. This lifestyle has led them to become the driving force behind Kenya’s agricultural exports, including the nation’s famous coffee and tea.

The Nilotic people of Kenya typically reside in the country’s northwestern reaches near the shores of Lake Victoria. Indigenous to the Nile Valley, Nilotic peoples can also be found in neighbouring countries, such as Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia. Kenya’s Nilotic peoples are renowned herders, having mastered the art of nomadic pastoralism over countless generations.

Finally, the third largest ethnic group in Kenya is the Cushitic peoples who typically reside in the nation’s arid northeastern deserts. Also known for their nomadic lifestyle, most of Kenya’s Cushitic people are Muslim due to their long-standing relationships with Arabic traders along the northern coastline of Somalia. However, some have resisted the spread of foreign religion, such as the Rendille tribe who herd camels in the Kaisut Desert and worship their traditional god, Wakh.

Kikuyu Tribe

The Kikuyu are the largest tribe in Kenya, residing in the country’s central regions.

The Kikuyu tribe traditionally worshipped the supreme, Ngai, who resided on the summit of Mt Kenya and created the sky, the earth and all living creatures. The Kikuyu believed that all people had arisen from one man - Kikuyu - and one woman - Mumbi - and that their nine children are the original ancestors of the tribe.

As an agricultural people, historically they centred the calendar of their livelihood around Kenya’s distinct wet and dry seasons. Coffee, maize, sugar and beans made up the bulk of their crops.

In modern day Kenya, the Kikuyu have adapted to modern life faster than most other Kenyan tribes. As such, they typically live in and around Nairobi - Kenya’s capital and business centre. This adoption of western influences has also seen the majority of Kikuyu peoples adopt Christianity as their religion in the wake of significant British presence during the 1900s.

Maasai Tribe

Undoubtedly Kenya’s most recognisable tribe, the Maasai offer a window into the fantastically colourful past of Kenya’s tribes. Having not been greatly influenced by the arrival of westerners in Africa, the Maasai still live much as their ancestors did hundreds of years before them. Proud pastoralists, a Maasai tribesman’s wealth is measured by the size of his cattle herd.

A nomadic people, they have a proud tradition of creating the region’s greatest warriors. This entails sending their children away for several months for training in order to reach adulthood and gain the respect of their peers. Traditionally, a Maasai boy would earn the status of warrior by killing a lion in the wild. Nowadays, more sustainable alternatives for proving one’s worth are in place, such as the Maasai Olympics.

Read our article on Kenya’s Maasai tribe for a more detailed insight into their culture and traditions.

Luo Tribe

The fourth largest ethnic group in Kenya and the largest Nilotic tribe, the Luo, are a group steeped in cultural significance.

Due to their nomadic lifestyle, the exact origin of the Luo’s existence in Kenya is unclear and often controversial. However, they originally settled near the shores of Lake Victoria in the nation’s western tip. This location has led to them becoming expert fishermen over the generations.

The tribe’s religion once consisted of a single god who would manifest itself in everything from the sun to wild animals in the region. Traditionally, music was a significant feature in the Luo community, being performed at all significant ceremonies, whether they be religious or political. This includes the ceremonies of witchdoctors and healers, who would channel spirits to help those in need. Nowadays Christianity is the core religion of the Luo tribe.

Luhya Tribe

The Luhya tribe were traditionally based in western Kenya, on the border with Uganda. This region is renowned for its rich highland soil, making it ideal for their agricultural lifestyle. However, modern influences have seen many of the Luhya peoples move into the more urbanised areas of the country in search of work and a more contemporary lifestyle.

Now predominantly a Christian community, the Luhya tribe once worshipped a god known as Were Khakaba. Respecting and honouring the spirits of ancestors was also once of great importance. So much so that Luhya children are traditionally named after departed family members. Once upon a time, Luhya people would hold 40 days of mourning in the wake of a death, whereby all associated with the deceased would stay with the family to sing stories and tell tales.

However, these traditions have not totally disappeared. It is very common for even the most modern Luhya peoples to incorporate their traditions into their day-to-day lives, such as suspicions about evil spirits. Although few continue the tradition of a 40-day mourning period, it is still typical for the vigil to happen over a shorter period, typically a week or so.

Meru Tribe

A Bantu tribe existing on the northeastern side of Mount Kenya, the Meru people number over two million and have a fascinating history. Steeped in myth and folklore, the Meru culture has stood strong in the face of external influences and the majority of its people still believe in their deity, Arega Kuthera.

Spirituality is key to the Meru culture, with the influence of spirits – both good and evil – playing a key role in their day to day living. Political structure is also important to the Meru people, with individuals being elected to a hierarchical council for over 400 years.

If you would like to embark on the trip of a lifetime that incorporates awe-inspiring safaris with a chance to learn more about the tribes of Kenya, get in touch with our expert travel team today on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US), or explore@niarratravel.com and begin creating your dream trip.