Integration of Barwa into other Ethnic Groups in Western Kenya: A Model for National Integration in Kenya

Abstract

There is a pressing need to know how Kenya’s ethnic groups were formed in order to identify strategies to bring about national integration and cohesion in the country. This study examines briefly the origin of Barwa of western Kenya. Using Barwa as an example, this article describes how people who are adverse in terms of ethnic group are forced by circumstances and continuous interaction to become members of a single ethnic group. Ethnographic research design was used. Interviews were held with samples of old people. In addition the written literature on the people of western Kenya was reviewed. The study showed that the Kalenjin ethnic group came into being as a result of interaction between hunters and gatherers (Okiek or Barwa) who are of Semitic origin and highland Nilotes who are of Hamitic origin. The model used to integrate Barwa into Kalenjin, Luyia and Luo ethnic groups was found to be an appropriate model for national integration in Kenya.