Kenya Culture

Kenya has a colourful and diverse culture that draws upon the heritage and traditions of multiple peoples and tribes.

Tribes

There are over 40 different tribes in modern day Kenya contributing to its rich culture and ethnic diversity. Among them the Kikuyu feature prominently, along with the Maasai, the Samburu and the Turkana. The Kikuyu make their living from farming the land around the foothills of Mount Kenya. The Maasai are nomadic cattle herders whose entire livelihood is focused around raising and eating cattle. Their chosen life is becoming harder for them to sustain in Kenya’s changing economy and changing social climate. The Samburu and Turkana tribes are semi-nomadic and raise a variety of domestic animals, including sheep, cows, goats and camels. The Samburu and Turkana love brightly coloured clothing and adorn themselves with beaded jewellery.

Religion

The diverse Kenyan culture welcomes people of all religions, including Muslims, Roman Catholics and Protestants. You will also find Hindus and Sikhs practicing their religion in Kenya. By far the majority are Christians, some of whom temper their Christianity with a gentle blend of their ancient tribal wisdoms.

Housing

Because so many Kenyans are traditionally nomadic, dwellings are often been temporary shelters although there are trends in modern times towards more permanent housing as the nomadic lifestyle becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain. The Maasai, for example, build temporary homes, called Enkangs, from  grass, twigs and branches held together with mud and cow dung. The Maasai women, who are the traditional homebuilders for their tribe, are now turning to more permanent designs in order to satisfy housing requirements for their families.

Music and Dance

Traditionally, Kenyan music originates from several sources. Maasai ceremonial dances and songs celebrate hunting victories and the strength of their powerful warriors. The Kamba are expert drummers and acrobatic dancers. Taarab is one style of music that will have you swaying to Arabic rhythms and dancing to the beat of African drums and bells. Often including a large chorus, and stringed instruments, the popular Taarab style is evolving to incorporate elements of Hindu music. Yet another style of music popular in Kenya culture is the beautiful sound of the Nyatiti, a lyre-like stringed instrument. The Nyatiti creates a lilting harmony to any song.

Food

Traditional Kenyan food is influenced by British and Indian dishes as well as dishes native to the diverse Kenyan peoples. The Kikuyu tribe is well noted for its tasty food. Irio, a staple Kenyan recipe, is a famous dish from the Kikuyu culture made from peas, corn and potatoes, seasoned and pureed. They also make Kariokor, delicious Kenyan style barbecued meat.

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