subject: The Kenyan Masai [print this page] The Kenyan Masai The Kenyan Masai
The Kenyan Masai is a group of Nilotic speakers that live in the southern west part of the country. Some have crossed to the Serengeti in Tanzania as they need a lot of space to graze their livestock. The Masai are nomadic pastoralists and they herd cattle and goats. They move from place to place in search of green pasture and water for the livestock. Traditionally, a man's wealth is counted according to the many cows he has.
There means of livelihood is being threatened by lack of enough grazing land and conflict with other neighboring tribes. The Masai believe that there God sent cattle from heaven for them to take care . Their first ancestors were given the cattle on Mount Kenya and told to take care of them. Therefore they do not find it wrong to steal cattle from other tribes as they believe that they are the rightful owners of all the cattle in the world. The Kenyan Masai is monotheistic. He believes in god, 'Engai' who tradition has it that he lives on Ol Donyo Lengai which is the 'Mountain of God'.
The Kenyan Masai has tries to hold on to his culture despite western influence. This is a great source of tourists as people all over the world come to witness this well kept cultural heritage. The Masai artifacts are also very popular. These include jewel, sandals and sculptures. The trade in Masai goods is thriving in Kenya and all over the world. It is employing a substantial number of Kenyans locally and abroad.
