The Nilotic Tribes

Within the Nilotic tribes there are three primary sub-groups. One is comprised of the nomadic herders which includes the Maasi who roam the southern region of the country, the Samburu who occupy central Kenya, and the Turkana in the northwest. Although their numbers are fewer than one million, these vibrantly adorned tribes are the most famous people in Kenya.

The second sub-group is known collectively as the Kalenjin and includes the Kipsigis, Nandi, Tugen, Marakwet, Keiyo, Pokot, Terik, and Sabaot tribes. These tiny communities of settled farmers are predominately clustered throughout the Rift Valley region. The Kalenjin have become a powerful political force as President Moi is Tugen.

Largest of Kenya's non-Bantu ethnic groups, the Luo, is also a sub-group within the Nilotic tribes. The Luo settled in the far west around the shores of Lake Victoria. The Luo tribe has a population of 4.2 million who survive by farming and fishing. Articulate and civil-minded, the Luo were prominent in the struggle for Independence as trade unionists and politicians. Even today the Kikuyu and the Luo are by far the most numerous tribal groups, and between them hold the majority of positions of power and influence in the country.

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