subject: Kenya- One Culture, Different People [print this page] Kenya- One Culture, Different People Kenya- One Culture, Different People
When you look at Kenya as a country, you would think that it is made up of only one people. If you visit major towns, only the national language Kiswahili is used. This might make you as a visitor think that the culture of the people is the same. The dressing in many major towns is the same. Westernization is what is eroding the many different cultures in this state. Though there is more unity as people put down their cultural differences and embrace one another in the spirit of brotherhood, we might not have anything to show to future generations regarding our roots.
If you move away from the cities and major towns, you will start realizing that Kenya is not made up of one culture. It is divided into many ethnic groups and each has its own special way of life. The languages are also very different. The main languages of the different people in Kenya are the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kikamba and Kimeru. English is the official language and is used in all government offices and institutions.
In Luo land, you will find their culture very different from the kikuyu culture. The Luo do not believe in circumcision while in kikuyu land, it is a taboo for a grown up man not to be circumcised. The kikuyu staple diet is githeri, a mix of beans and maize. The Luo eat fish and ugali as their staple food. Nationally, ugali is the staple food and is used at least three times in every Kenyan household regardless of how poor or rich you are.
