Luhya, Kabras in Kenya

Introduction / History

Luhya refers to a group of 16 tribes in western Kenya. They speak mutually intelligible dialects by different names. For example, the Kabras Luhyas speak the Lukabaras dialect. Each of the Luhya tribes are divided into several clans.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Kabras Luhyas are farmers who grow corn, beans, peanuts, bananas, cabbages, cassava, green beans, and other vegetables for their food source. They also grow coffee, tea, sugarcane, cotton, and sunflowers for trade. They raise livestock, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, and cattle. Their farming tools can range from simple metal hoes to oxen or tractors, depending on their location and financial resources.

Farm work is divided between the two genders. At home, girls help their mothers care for young children and do housework, while boys follow their father’s lead, doing farmwork. Fathers do little child care, except to take them to a doctor. Gender roles are less strict in urban environments, and there is always the question about whether it is more important for children to attend school or help on the family farm.

Like most people of rural Kenya, the Luhyas live in homesteads with their nuclear families and sometimes grandparents. In today’s world, Luhya grandparents are more and more likely to play the role of a foster parent. Each family is independent, but they help other families in times of crisis.

Traditionally, the Luhyas were renowned for their blacksmithing skills, and today they continue to practice this craft, alongside producing pottery and other useful items.

Disputes are usually resolved at the clan level. Unresolved crimes are addressed by the local government.

They also enjoy sports, especially soccer. There are many excellent Luhya soccer players. Some Luhya tribes engage in bullfighting.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Kabras Luhyas are officially Christian, but many still practice witchcraft and sorcery. Sorcery and witchcraft are usually blamed for untimely deaths.

Luhya churches are strong, and they have the potential to disciple many to take Christ’s name to other parts of Africa.

What Are Their Needs?

As is the case in most Kenyan communities, the traditional culture is under heavy pressure. Development and modernization have a substantial impact on most parts of traditional life. However, they have maintained a large number of traditional customs, some of which have been adapted to modernity. For instance, initiation rites still take place among virtually all sections of the population. Still, the timing has been adapted to coincide with school vacations, so that they do not interfere with the child's education.

Unemployment is rampant. Their limited health care is poorly equipped. They have poor roads, and the people live in poverty.

Prayer Points

Pray for better roads and medical facilities for the Luhyas.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Kabras Luhya churches and families.
Pray for them to have the spiritual discernment to focus on Jesus and not be swayed to the left or to the right.
Pray for hundreds to be called and sent by their churches to the spiritually lost in Sudan and Somalia.

Text Source:   Joshua Project