This tribe is related to the Masai. They live just above the Kenya equator where the slops of mount Kenya merge into the northern desert. They are semi- nomadic pastoralists and more remote than the Masai. They herd sheep, goats, camel and cows. Those who stay near the edge of the desert thrive on roots and wild fruits. They make soups from the barks of trees, roots and vegetables. The rest survive on milk and cow's blood. Meat is rarely taken and is a delicacy for special occasions.
Most do not dress formerly. They adorn a red cloth [shuka] which looks like a skirt. They also wear multi beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Being in northern Kenya, the remotest and driest place in the region has greatly disadvantaged them. The economy of this region is very slow and most live from hand to mouth. When drought strikes as it normally does every few years, the old and young do die from hunger. At this time, the livestock dies in large numbers and the community can be reduced to nothing in a season.
The Samburu of Kenya are attacked by pestilences, diseases and drought. The child mortality rate is very high as there is no proper sanitation in the area. The hospitals are few and far apart. One can walk for a full day to get to the nearest health center. A massive campaign has been launched to educate and enlighten the community on the need to educate their children as most do not see the need to do so.