Kikuyu

The Kĩkũyũ (otherwise spelled Gĩkũyũ) ethnic group is Kenya's most populous ethnic group. They total more than 4.5 million which is about 20% of Kenya's total population. They cultivate the fertile central highlands, sometimes known as Kikuyuland, and part of the lush Great Rift Valley.

History

The Kĩkũyũ were generally on good terms with the Maasai -- their neighbours, with whom they traded extensively. Colonialism however disturbed this order. Beginning in the 1880s, the British settled first on the coast and then when building the railroad from the coast to Lake Victoria, also in Kikuyuland. They confiscated land from the Kĩkũyũ who were confined to a small reserve unable to cultivate their land.

Related Topics:
Maasai - British - Lake Victoria

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