Kenya is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions. This is attributed to the three major sub-groups of people: the Bantus, Cushites, and Nilotes. Each sub-group has its own unique origin, settlement patterns, dialects, and cultural practices, contributing to the vibrant design of Kenyan society.

The Bantu People

• Where did they come from?

The Bantus are the largest sub-group in Kenya. They originated in West Africa around 4,000 years ago. They migrated southward and eastward, spreading their languages and cultures across sub-Saharan Africa.

• Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Bantu sub-group settled in the central, western, and coastal regions of Kenya where the land is good for farming. They are great farmers, growing crops like maize and beans.

• Tribes and Culture

There are approximately 20 to 22 Bantu tribes in Kenya. The main tribes are Kikuyu, Luyha, Kamba and Mijikenda. The Mijikenda tribe itself consists of nine sub-tribes. Bantu culture is all about close families, farming, and celebrating through music and dance. They speak different languages, and have special ceremonies for important events like growing up and getting married. Their stories, songs, and dances are passed down from parents to kids, keeping their traditions alive.

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The Cushitic People

• Where did they come from?

  Cushites originated in northeastern Africa, in the Horn of Africa.

• Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Cushitic sub-group inhabited Kenya’s northern and eastern parts. These regions are dry and the Cushites are known for their skills at raising animals like goats and camels in those dry areas.

• Tribes and Culture

This subgroup has approximately five tribes, with the main ones being the Somali, Borana, Rendille, and Gabra. Their cultures are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, strong sense of community, and beadwork. Their traditions include special ceremonies for things like coming of age, and they pass down stories, songs, and dances through generations.

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The Nilotic People

• Where did they come from?

Nilotes originated in South Sudan and Ethiopia and spread southward and westward, reaching Kenya and other parts of East Africa.

• Where did they settle in Kenya?

They settled in the Rift Valley, areas around Lake Victoria, and western Kenya, and are known for their pastoralism and fishing practices.

• Tribes and Culture

The Nilotes subgroup has around 11 tribes with the main ones being the Maasai, Turkana, Luo, and Kelenjins. They are often associated with warrior traditions, beadwork, and lively ceremonies, with a big connection to their land and livestock. 

These three sub-groups have lived together for thousands of years, sharing their different cultures and traditions. Even though they have different languages and customs, they are all part of the same family and love their country. 

All our students belong to one of these subgroups and speak a certain mother tongue from their tribe. By the time they are adults, they are able to speak at least three languages: their tribal language, Swahili (one of Kenya’s national languages) and English.

To learn more about the Sub-groups visit the links below;

• Language groups in Kenya
• Bantu People Of Kenya
• Nilotes people Kenya | History Shortened |Nilotes
• Luo – Nilotic ethnic group: Their origin and culture
• Who are the Cushitic people, history of the Cushitic people

• September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo 1 Comment

  Join Us For Our 2024 Community Gathering

  We hope you can join us on October 2nd as we bring together sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate the progress and impact Friends of Ngong Road has had on many children in Nairobi.

  We are especially excited about our special guest, Elizabeth Nyanchera. She is the first graduate of our program to become a lawyer. This is her first trip to the United States and she is looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing her story.

  We will also hear from Paula Meyer, the Founder of Friends of Ngong Road, Carol Patrikakos, our Executive Director, and more, giving us program updates.  

  Wednesday, October 2nd, 5-7pm 
  Pryes Brewery
  1401 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
  Remarks at 5:45 pm  
  Food and beverages provided
  Free parking surrounds the building

  The meeting room only has stair access, regretfully, no elevator. If that prevents you from attending, please respond and we will be happy to schedule another time to meet Elizabeth.

  Please RSVP…..  Bring a friend, or two!

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  Elizabeth has overcome significant challenges to build a promising future for herself. Orphaned at the age of four, her life took a transformative turn in fourth grade when she joined the Friends of Ngong Road program and was matched with a sponsor. She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with commitment and determination, achieving success through excellent academic performance. 

  After studying at the University of Nairobi, Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Law. She then secured an internship at R.W Mbanya and Company Advocates, gaining practical experience in the legal field. Motivated to further her legal knowledge, she pursued a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law. Elizabeth is currently employed full-time at a law firm, where she drafts legal documents and attends court hearings. Elizabeth officially joined the Kenya Bar in June 2023

  Elizabeth says that the Friends of Ngong Road program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Elizabeth’s success shows that with the right support, and personal determination, a child is capable of transforming their life.