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.
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.
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;
