Luhya

The Luhya, also known as Luyia, are a Bantu-speaking ethnolinguistic group inhabiting western Kenya. They are one of the country’s largest and most diverse communities, comprising several sub-tribes that share related languages and cultural traditions. The Luhya languages form a continuum within the Luyia branch of the Bantu family; major varieties include Bukusu, Banyore, Isukha, Idakho, Maragoli, Nyole, and Tachoni, among others. Together they are spoken by millions of people in Kenya and by Luhya communities abroad.

Geography and society: Most Luhya live in western Kenya, especially in Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties, with smaller communities in neighboring areas. Traditionally organized around clans and age-sets, they are predominantly farmers, cultivating maize, sorghum or millet, sugarcane, and vegetables, while many also engage in trade, education, or formal employment. Urbanization and migration have brought changes, but kinship networks and customary practices remain important in many communities. Cultural expressions include music, dance, and craft that vary by sub-tribe.

History and modern era: In pre-colonial times, Luhya-speaking groups occupied dispersed polities in western Kenya. Colonial rule and land policies reshaped settlement and landholding patterns, influencing social organization. After independence, Luhya communities contributed to national politics, commerce, and development. Today they participate broadly in Kenyan public life, with leaders, educators, and professionals among them. Luhya identity is often expressed through language, family networks, and regional associations, while recognizing regional and subgroup diversity.