GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY

  The Agikuyu are the largest population of all the Eastern Bantu. They inhabit the Central province of Kenya. two legends or myths that refer to Gikuyu origin. That which presents the Agikuyu as having originated from Mukurwe Wa Gathanga, where their ancestors (Gikuyu and his wife mumbi) were settled after God created them. According to this legend, Gikuyu and mumbi begat nine daughters, who married and mothered the nine clans of the present Agikuyu. That which states that the Agikuyu may have descended from one of the four sons of a Mbeere man, the other three of which may have mothered the Akamba, Athi and Maasai. migration and settlement of the Agikuyu into Kenya. By 1200AD, The Bantu had already settled in the Central province of Kenya. However, the original inhabitants of the area were hunter-gatherers, such as the Athi (Dorobo) and the Gumba. These may have been the remnants of the original inhabitants. The Athi and the Gumba interacted with the Agikuyu, who later assimilate...

  The following are effects of Bantu migration and settlement into Kenya . Increased population in the regions where they settled. spread of ironworking to other parts of Kenya. The skill reached other communities, such as the Luo. Increased intercommunal conflicts. For instance, they fought with the Oromo at the coast, the Maasai in the Rift Valley and the Luo near Lake Victoria. More trading activities as the Bantu exchanged iron products with other communities. For example, Abagusi gave iron products to the Luo in return for baskets. Increased cultural interaction and exchange. For instance, many Bantu groups assimilated the Southern Cushites as some Bantu were assimilated by Nilotes. spread of agricultural practices in Kenya . For example, the Kwavi Maasai of Kenya adopted cultivation. Population redistribution. E.g. the Dorobo moved to forested areas. Displacement of some communities. For instance, Abagusi were displaced by the Luo in the Kano plains. Some Eastern Cushites...