Kamba - Definition and Overview

There is also Kemba in Gabon, see Kemba, Gabon

The Kamba people (Wakamba) are a Bantu people who live in the semi-arid Eastern Province of Kenya stretching east from Nairobi to Tsavo and north up to Embu, Kenya. This land is called Ukambani or land of the Kambas. Depending on the source, they are either the third or the fifth largest ethnic group in Kenya. They speak the Kikamba language.

The Kamba moved into their present lands over centuries of migrations from lands to the south. As they settled in hilly lands their population increased. Trade with the Kikuyu was also practiced by the Kamba of the dry lowlands. Trade was in the form of barter of locally-produced goods like medicinal charms (magini), beer, tools and weapons for food from the highlands. This existing trade network was adopted by ivory traders in the 18th century and 19th century.

The Kamba acted as middlemen between the coastal Arab Swahili traders and the upcountry tribes. Their trade and travel made them ideal guides for the caravans gathering slaves for the Middle Eastern and Indian markets. The early European explorers also used them as guides in their expeditions.

The Kamba resistance to colonialism was mostly non-violent in nature.