| Tribes There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya. Differences between many of them are blurred - western cultural values are becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. There are many other tribes in Kenya; these include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues. Kenya's culture is both multifarious and fragmented. Nowhere else in Africa is there such a large number of ancient cultures, all alive and well in no hurry to change. Each cultural / ethnic group have their unique traditional arts & crafts, architecture in homestead designs, clothing and jewellery, food, social and economic activities etc. Kenya is bestowed with well over 40 different ethnic groups with different languages and dialects, customs, beliefs and lifestyles. Unique of all tribes is the Elmolo, Kenya's smallest group which is a surviving tribe just emerging from the stone age standard of living usually described as the race that has stood the test of time. The well known Maasai too, famous for their worriorship, have a strong practical lifestyle which is basically seen to represent Kenya's traditions by foreigners. The Maasai land incorporates many of the National Parks like Amboseli, Mara, Tsavo and Nairobi National Park is now involved in the wildlife conservation projects to encourage eco-tourism. |
Language The national language is Swahili (KiSwahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English, however it is good to have a working knowledge of Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya.
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| Useful KiSwahili phrases: Welcome--Karibu |