The Akamba are the fourth largest ethnic community in Kenya1. They occupy the traditional districts of Kitui, Machakos, Makueni and Mwingi in the lower part of Eastern Province (Ukambani). The Akamba also live in Mbeere, Kirinyaga, Kwale and Taita Taveta districts with a sizeable Kamba Diaspora community in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of the world. They are also the leading integrationists with communities such as the Mbeere, Embu, Taveta and Tharaka being largely Kamba by blood. History has it that the Kamba migrated into Kenya in the 14th Century and settled in the Taveta area before migrating northwards to the Nzaui Hills in the present day Makueni district. A dispersal of the community occurred in the 17th century, with some moving to Mbooni and others to Kitui, Mwingi and the fringes of Central province. The Mbooni group later moved to present day Machakos and Kangundo districts. The Akamba people have made significant contributions to the historical development of modern Kenya: the country draws its name from the Kamba compound word Kiinyaa; the Kamba were an integral part of the Mau Mau struggle for freedom contributing human and other resources including the oath (Kithitu) that was administered by the Mau Mau fighters; the first person to raise the Kenyan flag on Mount Kenya comes from the community; the Akamba are known for their expertise in hunting and marksmanship; they are acknowledged as the greatest traditional healers in the land; they were the architects of opposition unity in the 1990s; and they led the way towards the education of the Kenyan people on their political rights and their empowerment for agitating for democratic and constitutional reforms
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 05:28:28 +0000
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