Profile of the Samburu People (learn some history here)

The Samburu people are a semi-nomadic people group living in the central Rift Valley area of Kenya. Population is estimated to be around 150,000. Their livelihood is dependent upon the cattle, sheep and goats they raise. Living in a semi-arrid climate, they do very little farming and the search for water and grazing land leads out from their homes during dry seasons.

There are distinct societal groups among Samburu, defined by gender and age set. The ceremonies and celebrations marking these “promotions” into a different age set are a very important part of Samburu life. Women are defined as either married, young women of marriageable age, or children. Men have several age sets that they progress through. The first important one of these is becoming a Moran. It is also a higher status for a woman to have a son who is Moran.


Both Samburu photographs courtousty IMB

These young “warriors” live separately from the rest of the community and will not eat or associate with the women. You can distinguish them by the elaborate beads and hairstyles they wear. They have a very proud, but graceful appearance. They will not be eligible for marriage until they are promoted to elder status. The established elders teach the newly promoted elders their duties. It is the elders who are the decision makers and leaders of the communities.

The major workload of a Samburu family falls upon the woman. She is responsible for building and maintaining the home, chopping and gathering firewood, gathering and preparing food and raising the children. Children are taught to care for the animals beginning at a very young age. Life for the Samburu is very difficult by western standards, but you will very rarely see them unhappy. They are extremely hospitable, willing to always share whatever they do have with visitors.

Samburu are very spiritual people, believing and praying daily to a creator God they call “N’kai”. Some have heard the name of Jesus, but they do not have an understanding of who He is. They do not know that forgiveness of sins is available through Him. They do not know He is the Emmanuel that they sing about by name in traditional songs asking for God’s presence. Many believe the Bible is the Word of God, but are illiterate and have no idea of its contents. They generally have a great desire to know what it says. They know they are dependent on God and want to hear His Words. They are virtually unreached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are also, however, highly receptive. The overwhelming desire to hear and accept is evidence that God has been moving among these people and that the fields are white to harvest.

SAMBURU CHILDREN


Samburu kids don't have things like television or video games. Most of them live in homes with no electricity. They spend a lot of time outdoors. They play soccer and other games. They do not usually have a store bought ball. Instead they make one from plastic bags, cloth and string wrapped very tightly. They play with other toys they make from cans and empty containers. They make cars from milk cartons and put wheels on them using bottle cap lids and wire.

They like to sing and dance.

SAMBURU DRESS

 Most Samburu still wear traditional dress. For men, this consists of a usually red, plaid cloth called a "shuka". They will also carry a large knife, possibly a spear and maybe a rungu, a club like stick.

Women also wear a cloth type wrap, known as a kanga. One is worn wrapped at the waist, then maybe a shirt of some kind and another kanga wrapped around the shoulders. An important part of a girl's or woman's attire will be the many colored beads she wears around her neck.

The following is a link with more information about the Samburu; http://endor.hsutx.edu/~obiwan/profiles/samburu.html
published by Orville Boyd Jenkins from: Strategy Leader Resource Kit