Present-day country
Kenya
7 nations list Kenya among their present-day countries.
Present-day countries are listed by ISO 3166 names. Many nations live across more than one.
7 nations
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Endorois
Lands around Lake Bogoria in Baringo County, and in Nakuru and Laikipia counties, in Kenya's Rift Valley
In 2010 the African Union approved an African Commission ruling in the Endorois case, the first in Africa to recognize Indigenous peoples' rights to land they traditionally owned.
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Maasai
Also known as Masai
Lands southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, on both sides of the border
In 2025 Tanzania's Simanjiro district paused carbon project signings for 30 days to respond to community concerns, which IWGIA read as a sign that communities are starting to be heard.
Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs) (opens in a new tab) Checked
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Ogiek
Also known as Okiek
Lands highland forests of Kenya, especially the Mau Forest
In December 2025 the African Court issued its first ever compliance decision, in the Ogiek case, finding that Kenya had not yet carried out its judgments.
Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs) (opens in a new tab) Checked
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Oromo
Lands Oromia and other regions of Ethiopia, and northern Kenya
Knowledge of the Gada system is passed on to Oromo children today, at home and at school.
Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (opens in a new tab) Checked
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Samburu
Lands Samburu County and nearby rangelands of north-central Kenya
All of Reteti's elephant keepers come from the Samburu community and are formally trained to care for, rehabilitate and release elephant calves.
Source: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (opens in a new tab) Checked
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Sengwer
Also known as Cherangany
Lands Cherangany Hills and Embobut Forest in Kenya's western highlands
Kenya's 2019 census counted 10,729 Sengwer, who live in the Cherangany Hills and Embobut Forest of the western highlands.
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Yiaku
Also known as Yaaku
Lands Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia County, Kenya
Yiaku women and elders now lead language teaching and forest care, and growing youth involvement is strengthening the community.
Source: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) (opens in a new tab) Checked