Peoples of Kenya

The Turkana

The Turkana are Kenya's third-largest tribe and the second largest group of nomadic pastoralists (after Maasai). The majority live in Turkana District of Rift Valley in the arid northwest of Kenya. Most of Turkana are cattle herders, some engage in small-scale agriculture and fishing on Lake Turkana. They speak Turkana which is similar to the Maasai language and is considered to be of Nilotic in origin.

Traditional dress and ornaments are of vital importance, much emphasis being placed on adornment of both women and young Morani (warrior). Beads and jewelry indicate a woman's wealth and marital status. The traditional hairstyle for a woman is a braided Mohawk.

See other tribes of Kenya: El Molo, Maasai, Kikuyu, Samburu