Although mainly pastoralists, the Kalenjin have taken up some agriculture and also produce honey. The Maasai, Samburu and Turkana are probably the most well known ethnic groups outside of Kenya. Their comparatively small number does not equate with their reputation and fame outside of Kenya as stoic and brave lion hunters and warriors. In spite of pressure from the Kenyan government to modernize, the Masai have fiercely maintained much of their traditional culture and way of life. They are nomadic cattle and goat herders, and for them cattle is the most important social, economic, and political factor.
Cattle are a sign of wealth, social standing as well as a food source.
Milk and blood, tapped from a cow's jugular vein, is a staple. Their traditional homeland is southern Kenya and northern Tanzania in an area that has the most visited game parks. The Maasai help to manage and maintain the Maasai Mara National Park and receive a percentage of the park fees. The Samburu are closely related to the Maasai and their traditional homeland is around Maralal in Northern Central Kenya. Like the Maasai their morani prefer red blankets, use red ochre to decorate their heads and the women wear beaded jewelry.