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...

Sakuye

Mostly identify themselves as Borana Practice some Pre-Islamic beliefs They use Dagora (cloth) which they wr...

Swahili

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

Samburu

Dancing is a significant part of Samburu culture. Their dancing is similar to that of the Maasai people with men dancing in a circle and ju...

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

Mostly identify themselves as Borana
Practice some Pre-Islamic beliefs
They use Dagora (cloth) which they wrap around themselves from hip downwards and a lot of ornaments on their heads especially which they call Shabat
The Sakuye have venerated sacred sites, solely conserved and preserved as part of their cultural traditions and symbols of charisma that can be easily accessed
One of the Sakuye Shrines is believed to have sacred water and all the Sakuye communities across Kenya travel to the site once every mid-year to pay pilgrimage on the sacred grounds.

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.

Dancing is a significant part of Samburu culture. Their dancing is similar to that of the Maasai people with men dancing in a circle and jumping high from a standing position. the Samburu do not useany instruments to accompany their dancing and singing.
The Samburu people traditionally in a vibrant red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash. This is accompanied with many colorful beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces. Each piece of jewellery worn represents the status of the person wearing them and occasion
Samburu traditional settlements known as ‘Manyattas’are built by women
Much like the Maasai who they are closely related to the Samburu people co-exist with life and today, help run ecofriendlytourist lodges around where they settle

Tweets by MakeItKenya

Choose newsletter frequency

Weekly

Monthly

Yearly

Your Name

Email address