44 Tribes of Kenya

Kisii

They are known for soapstone carvings, basketry and pottery. The stone is mined and carved in Tabaka, South Mugirango, where several famili...

Kenyan Arabs

A large percentage of the Kenyan Arabic population dwells in the coastal area. Coastal Arab villages consist of tiny houses that...

Luhya

The Luhya comprise several subgroups with different but mutually understood linguistic dialects. Some of these subgroups are Ababukusu, Aba...

Swahili

The Swahili people find significance in their art. They express themselves through creativity as well as through shape and function. This i...

Kisii

They are known for soapstone carvings, basketry and pottery. The stone is mined and carved in Tabaka, South Mugirango, where several families specialize in this art. The craft attracts tourists and generates income for the community.
The kisii are known for their farming of bananas which are traced to their areas
The favorite instrument among the Kisii is the obokhano (lyre) in their traditional music

A large percentage of the Kenyan Arabic population dwells in the coastal area.
Coastal Arab villages consist of tiny houses that are situated closely together. The nature of the villages reflects the closeness of the families
The Arabs are considered to be modest and this is apparent in their dressing. Women mostly wear diraqs, burkhas and hijabs to show their modesty.
Arabs in Kenya are 99% Muslim and follow Islamic teachings and celebrate holidays special to the religion
Arabic dance and song is popular among the Islamic majority in Kenya and Swahili songs borrow from this as well

The Luhya comprise several subgroups with different but mutually understood linguistic dialects. Some of these subgroups are Ababukusu, Abanyala, Abatachoni, Avalogoli, Abamarama, Abaidakho, Abaisukha, Abatiriki, Abakisa, Abamarachi, and Abasamia.
The Luhya people revers some of their ritualistic practices most especially their initiation ceremonies (the Bukusu) and burial rites.
Traditional clothing is worn mostly during specific occasions and only by certain people. In cultural dances, performers may put on feathered hats and skirts made of sisal strands.
Luhya are nationally renowned for their energetic and vibrant isukuti dance accompanied by music instruments such as drums, jingles, flutes, and accordions

The Swahili people find significance in their art. They express themselves through creativity as well as through shape and function. This is seen through Swahili architecture and furniture. Swahili architecture is still evident in the coastal areas in places such as old Town, Gede Ruins, and Lamu. Modern buildings in the Coast have borrowed from this traditional Swahili style
Their Expressive are is also seen in Swahili garments such as the Kanga. This is a rectangle piece of cloth reflecting on the Swahili culture often times containing famous quotes and Swahili Sayings.
The Swahili people are known for their music style known as Taarab. This music style is heavily influenced by Arabic music style as well as some Indian influence. Sample music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNETau_UoFU
Swahili cuisinefavors spicy, flavourful dishes which take inspiration from both African and Middle Eastern cuisine. One of their primary staple ingredients is rice, which you will find in many traditional meals.

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