44 Tribes of Kenya

Gabra

The Gabra culture is derived from the harsh environment they live in as well as the sense of togetherness they cultivate. Their most popula...

Rendile

The Rendille descend from the somali Cushitic Group. They settled in the Marsabit desert as they believe it is their promised land

Kalenjin

They are divided into nine culturally and linguistically related clans: Kipsigis, Nandi, Keiyo, Marakwet, Sabaot, Pokots, Tugen, Terik and...

Orma

cattle keeping is a central aspect of the life of the Orma people. All of life focuses on the welfare of the cattle.Their distinct breed of...

Gabra

The Gabra culture is derived from the harsh environment they live in as well as the sense of togetherness they cultivate. Their most popular saying being "a poor man shames us all." Since mutual support is imperative for their survival, A person who refuses to help others is labeled "al baku," a stigma that stays affixed to the family for generations.
They make pilgrimages to sacred sites, most of which are located in the mountainous such as Hesi-Nabo and Agal. Today, both of these holy sites are located within Gabra's traditional territories. The religious activities include animal sacrifices and ritual prayers
The appearance of the Gabra I similar to the neighbouringcushitic communities such as the Rendille

The Rendille descend from the somali Cushitic Group. They settled in the Marsabit desert as they believe it is their promised land
The Rendille are skilled craftsmen and make many different decoration or ornaments.
Their natural appearance intrigued anthropologist as they posessfierce blue eyes, which is a physical peculiarity as well as reddish-brown complexion, with soft, straight hair and narrow facial features.
Rendile warriors often wear proudly a visor-like hairstyle, dyed with red ochre soil. the women wear several kilos beads. They are known for their vibrant red fabrics and several adornments from their hair to neckpieces

They are divided into nine culturally and linguistically related clans: Kipsigis, Nandi, Keiyo, Marakwet, Sabaot, Pokots, Tugen, Terik and Ogiek.
Oral tradition was and still is very important among the Kalenjin. This is through stories, songs, proverbs, and riddles which in turn preserves their culture
Popular cuisine unique to the Kalenjin is a special beverage known as ‘Mursik’. This consists of fermented whole milk that has been stored in a special gourd, cleaned by using a burning stick. The result is that the milk is infused with tiny bits of charcoal.
Sports is a major interest point among the Kalenjin especially the youth. The most widely known sport among the Kalenjin being long distance marathons

cattle keeping is a central aspect of the life of the Orma people. All of life focuses on the welfare of the cattle.Their distinct breed of the white, long-horned zebu cattle are among the finest in Africa.
The Orma are 99.9% Muslim. They converted to Islam starting three or four generations ago. They observe all the rites and festivals of Islam
Special ceremonies surround the birth of children which starts with dedication of the child up to seven years of age
Their wedding rituals are rich in Orma culture

Tweets by MakeItKenya

Choose newsletter frequency

Weekly

Monthly

Yearly

Your Name

Email address