The ethnic geography of Kenya on the eve of independence: the 1962 census

Abstract: The 1962 census of Kenya recorded the numbers belonging to 36 different African 'tribes' within 510 geographical units. Whereas the general distribution of such tribes was familiar, it was possible for the first time to calculate the degree of ethnic homogeneity among local populations and to construct a map showing their distribution within precise boundaries and in quantifiable terms. Its timing, on the eve of independence, makes this evidence particularly valuable. Problems of the definition of tribes are acknowledged but the results are so striking as to require explanation. Of the Kenya African population, 85% were living in rural areas where, on average, 95% of their neighbours were of the same tribe. Only three small tribes did not have a recognisable 'homeland' where they numbered 50% or more of the population. Most such homelands can be broadly related to a physiographic or ecological setting. The only significant areas of ethnic mixing were in the small proportion of the .... https://www.erdkunde.uni-bonn.de/article/view/2416

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: The ethnic geography of Kenya on the eve of independence: the 1962 census ; volume:54 ; number:1 ; year:2000 ; Erdkunde ; 54, Heft 1 (2000)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Morgan, William T.

Further information

• DOI: 10.3112/erdkunde.2000.01.07
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2410290827177.743056375827
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:22 AM CEST