Akamba

The Akamba, also known as Kamba, are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Kenya. They form one of the country's larger communities and are concentrated mainly in the eastern region, traditionally referred to as Ukambani, with substantial populations in Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties. They also have communities in urban centers across Kenya.

The Akamba speak Kikamba as their native language, with Kiswahili and English commonly spoken as second languages. Kikamba is part of the Bantu language family and is used in daily life, education, and media within Akamba communities.

Historically, the Akamba were both farmers and traders who developed extensive inland and coastal trade networks. They are noted for commercial caravans that connected interior markets with the Swahili coast, facilitating exchange of goods such as foodstuffs, crafts, and ivory in earlier centuries. They are also known for skilled craftwork, including wood carving and basket weaving, and for participating in regional markets.

Social life is organized around extended families and clans, with traditional rites of passage and communal practices playing a role alongside modern institutions. Today, many Akamba are Christians, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant denominations, while Islam and traditional beliefs are also present in smaller numbers.

In contemporary Kenya, the Akamba are active in agriculture, commerce, and politics, and they contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of the country. They maintain a distinct cultural identity while engaging with national institutions and urban life.