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~ As they moved, they assimilated the Sirikwa peoples. They also waged war against the
neighbouring Kalenjin, Akamba and Abagusii.
~ In the 1850s the Maasai experienced many natural disasters like drought, famine and
cattle diseases leading to decline of their power. They also experienced civil wars
between the Kwavi (iloikop) and the Purko (Ilmaasai) sections. When Oloibon Mbatian
died, his two sons Sendeyo and Lenana became involved in a protracted succession
dispute. They were also weakened by wars with the Agikuyu. Their power came to an
end with the coming of British rule.
Effects of the migration and settlement of the plain nilotes into Kenya
a) The migration and settlement of the Maasai in their present region led to increase in
population in the area.
b) As they migrated, into Kenya, the Maasai pushed and displaced the communities they
came across. For example, they subdued the Nandi in the 18thc.
c) The Maasai influenced the fighting tactics of other groups in Kenya.
d) The Maasai absorbed the southern Cushites such as the Dorobo.
e) There were intermarriages between the Maasai and the Akamba, Agikuyu and even
the kalenjin groups in the area.
f) There was Cultural interaction giving rise to enriched cultures. They adopted some
cultural practices from the southern Cushites for example, the age-set systems
circumcision and clitoridectomy. They also adopted some Kalenjin vocabulary.
g) Their settlement enhanced trade with different communities; they exchanged livestock
products for grains with the Luyia.
h) A section of the Maasai adopted agriculture as a result of interacting with their
agricultural neighbours in the Rift Valley. The Kwavi Maasai became mixed farmers.
i) They influenced Communities like the Nandi who adopted the institution of Prophet or
diviner from the institution of Laibon among the Maasai.
The Highland Nilotes
They comprise the kalenjin speakers namely the Tugen, Nandi, Kipsigis, Marakwet,
Keiyo, Pokot and Sabaot. They are believed to be the earliest Nilotic speakers in Kenya.
This evidenced from the narratives of their neighbours like the Luo.
Their traditions point their original homeland to be a place to the north-western part of
Kenya, between Sudan and Ethiopia.
Why they migrated:
a) They might have been Escaping from internal enemies causing clan or family feuds.
b) There was population pressure in their area of origin forcing them to look for new
land for settlement.
c) They were fleeing the outbreak of diseases and epidemics that affected both people
and animals.
d) They were escaping famine and drought.
e) They fled constant attacks from their neighbours.