SUMMARY

The Samburu (also known as Lokop or Loikop) is an ethnic group inhabiting the remote Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province in Kenya. It is one of the smaller of Kenya´s over 70 different ethnic groups, numbering around 240 000. The Samburu is closely related to the Maasai, with whom they share their origin. Both ethnic groups are assumed to have migrated from Ethiopia and the Sudan to their current location as part of the plains Nilotic movement. Despite being closely related, the Samburu and the Maasai often engage in cattle raids against one another. The frequency of such cattle raids results from the important role cattle play in Samburu culture. Cattle not only are the main food supplier, but are also used in various spiritual rituals.

The Samburu is traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists with cattle, sheep, goats and camels. However, this traditional way of life is endangered through state pressure to permanently locate in one place. Despite strong resistance to this pressure from most Samburu, some Samburu groups have started to seek alternative forms of livelihood such as growing crops. In addition, many, especially young people, have migrated to cities such as Nairobi.

The Samburu has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.