SUMMARY

The Pokomo is an ethnic group living along Tana River in the Tana River district in south-eastern Kenya. It is one the smallest out of Kenyas more than 70 different ethnic groups, numbering around 50 000. The Pokomo is made up of two sub-groups, identified by both geography and religion. The upper Pokomo live further north, account for about 75% of the Pokomo and are Islamic whereas the lower Pokomo live south of the upper Pokomo, account for about 25% of the Pokomo and are Christians.

The Pokomo inhabit a corridor of about 1 – 2 km on both sides of the Tana river. This corridor constitutes the river´s flood plain, making the land usable for agriculture. In addition to agriculture, the Pokomo use the Tana River for fishing.

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