Introduction / History

Beginning in the mid-1700s, Suba people began coming from the region just West of Lake Victoria to settle the islands and shores of the northeastern side of the lake. Fishing and boat building have been their traditional occupations. The Suba were also renowned for being skilled hippo hunters, a practice that was later prohibited due to the law against killing wild animals.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today farming is growing as an occupation, and cattle are kept mainly to provide for the payment of bride price.

Ever since coming to this area, the Suba have been overshadowed by other ethnic groups, particularly the Luo to the east. The result has been a reliance on others for trade and survival. Intermarriage with the Luo is common, but Luo customs are generally maintained when it occurs. European influence, which entered Africa from the east, viewed the Suba as a sub-group of the Luo. This further caused the Suba minority to lose recognition of their distinct culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity was brought to their area through the Luo people. A vital step in this direction is to make Suba a written language. Suba Scriptures will significantly strengthen the existing church by making the Bible available to the people in the language they understand best.

What Are Their Needs?

Because the Suba language is very different from other languages in the area, it came to be viewed as inferior. Education was introduced in English and Luo, and some Suba people have lost the ability to speak their own language. In recent years, the Suba people have developed a strong interest in preserving their culture and language.

Prayer Items

Pray for revival fire to consume Suba churches and communities.
Pray for hundreds to become Christ’s ambassadors to the lost in Somalia.
Pray for the Lord to use them as an example of what he can do with those who submit to Christ’s ways.
Pray for their needs to be met by our generous God.

Scripture Prayers for the Suba in Kenya.