Our History
The History of Maasai
The Maasai tribe originated from north of lake Turkana in the lower Nile valley.They begin migrating south in the 15th century and arrived in the long trunk of land stretching across central Tanzania and northern Kenya during the 17th century and 18th century.The Maasai reached its most dominant size in the 19th century when they covered most of the great rift valley and adjacent lands from Dodoma and Marsabit.
Commencing with the 1904 treaty followed by another treaty in 1911,The Maasai lands in Kenya were cut down by 60% when British evicted them to allow space for settler ranches thus confining the Maasai people to present day Narok and Kajiado.
They were forced out of their fertile lands in 1940s.More land was to create National parks and wildlife reserves,Maasai mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Nairobi National park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro,Lake Nakuru and Manyara.
Conclusion about the Maasai
The Maasai are traditionalist and conservationist.They have a rich culture and heritage.They have resisted to adopt a modern lifestyle however changing slowly.The Maasai have rightfully demanded pasturing and grazing rights around several National parks.Maasai land now boasts of East Africa finest nature and wildlife areas.They solely depend on livestock for livelihood.Due to climate change they get mostly affected and lose many of their animals during drought moments.Consequently many families are left poor.And perhaps due to their rigid to modern life, the girl child and women still lack autonomy and undergo through severe infringement.FGM is not fully phased out despite the government intervention to end it.Early marriages for girls in exchange of dowry is still rampant.Thus girl child Education still faces more hurdles.