Travel Kenya and Explore Facts about the Luhya Community and their Culture

The Luhya is a group of 18 distinct Bantu tribes in the Western Kenya region that lack a common origin and were politically United in the mid 20th century. Luhya refers to both the 18 luhya tribes and their respective languages.

The word luhya in some of the dialects means ‘the north’, hence Abaluhya means ‘the people from north’.The tribes include Bukusu,Idakho,Isukha,Kabras,Khayo,Kisa,Marachi,Maragoli,Marama,Nyala,Nyole,Samia,Tachoni,Tiriki,Tsotso,Wanga and Batura.

PHOTO/COURTESY: Maragoli culture during cultural event at Mbale in Vihiga County, Kenya.

They are closely related to the Masaba,whose language is mutually intelligible with Luhya. The Bukusu and the Maragoli are the two largest Luhya tribbes in Western Kenya region.

The principal traditional settlement area of the Luhya is in what was formerly the Western Province of Kenya.

PHOTO/COURTESY: Bull fighting in Kakamega county.

The Luhya community is the second largest ethnic group in Kenya after the Kikuyu community of the central region. Luhya belongs to Bantu group.

In Marriage, partners must be chosen from outside one’s parents’ clans. Polygamy is not widely practiced but it is there.

PHOTO/COURTESY: Cultural presentation during cultural event.