The tribes of Kenya represent a true cross-section of African life. Some ethnic groups have assimilated the conveniences of the west while other remote tribes remain untouched by the 20th century. Tribal culture is continually changing as refugees from neighboring countries and intermarriage blur both territorial boundaries and physiological features. Tribal conflicts over land and scarce resources add to the pressure for survival. Kenyans speak a variety of languages although English is the dominant tongue in towns and throughout the tourist industry.
Language remains the major feature that distinguishes tribal affiliation.
For two thirds of all Kenyans, the common language is of Bantu origin. Only three percent of the population are Cushite-speaking Kenyans although they occupy the largest geographic area. The reminder of the population speak Nilotic languages. These three language structures successfully bind together a diverse country of more than 40 different ethnic groups. Return to top.