Samburu

Samburu refers to the Samburu people and to places in northern Kenya that bear their name. The Samburu are a Nilotic ethnic group closely related to the Maasai, living mainly in Samburu County and surrounding parts of Isiolo and Laikipia. They are traditionally pastoralists, herding cattle, sheep and goats, with some engagement in farming and tourism employment.

Language and culture: The Samburu language belongs to the Maa subgroup of the Nilo-Saharan family and is closely related to Maasai. In daily life it is used alongside Swahili and English, which are common in education and administration. Social organization centers on age-sets, with moran (young warriors) and elder councils playing prominent roles. Beadwork, distinctive red attire and cattle branding are important cultural symbols.

Samburu National Reserve and surrounding protected areas: Samburu National Reserve, together with Buffalo Springs Reserve, lies along the Ewaso Ng'iro River in northern Kenya. It supports elephants, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and predators, and forms part of a broader wildlife corridor that attracts international tourism.

Samburu County and contemporary issues: Created as a separate county in 2010 under Kenya's devolved system, with Maralal as its capital, Samburu County covers arid and semi-arid lands. Its economy relies on pastoralism, tourism and small-scale farming. Ongoing challenges include drought, land-use change and human-wildlife conflict, with conservation and community-based initiatives aimed at sustainable livelihoods.