SAMBURU

Being closely related to the Masai, the Samburu speak a Nilo-Hamatic language. Hostile relations were maintained with the other tribes such as the Borana, Reshiat and the Turkana. After being almost decimated by smallpox, the Rendille entered into a protective relationship with the Samburu: tribute, in livestock, was paid in return for military protection. These two tribes shared much of the same territory and even, from time to time, occupied the same villages.

Large herds of cattle, sheep, and goats are kept. Occasionally, a few camels are also kept as part of their livestock. Hunting is done on a small scale.

As the Samburu is an almost exclusively pastoral people, they live in migratory bands. A typical Samburu camp consists of two concentric fences, the inner one enclosing the cattle kraal and the huts located between the two in clusters separated from each other by partitions. Huts are round, dome-shaped and consist of sheep or goat skin covered poles.

A bride price of three cows are paid to the wife's father and polygamy prevails. Circumcision is also practised. The Samburu live in local groups composed of a number of family homesteads and are governed by a council of elders. These local groups are in turn grouped into eight sections governed by a council consisting of local group leaders. All eight of these are further grouped into two larger sections, identifiable by cattle names, and governed by representatives from each of the two groupings."

• Country: Kenya
• Percent Christian: 82.1%
• Percent Evangelical: 34%
• Population (Year): 30.8 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christianity
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 9% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 11 persons

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Yes, but they are still young.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: 5%

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Not Sure

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Breakthroughs have come about in recent years.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes. This is especially true seeing that the churches are still young."