Kisii People - The Kisii People Today

The Kisii People Today

The Kisii are regarded as one of the most economically active communities in Kenya, with rolling tea estates, coffee, and banana groves. However, Kisii district has a very high population density. It is one of the most densely populated areas in Kenya (after the two cities of Nairobi and Mombasa), and the most densely populated rural area. It also has one of the highest fertility and population growth rates in Kenya (as evidenced by successive census and demographic surveys). In fact the fertility rate of Kisii ranks among the highest in the world, (see Kenyan Conundrum: A Regional Analysis of Population Growth and Primary Education (Paperback) by Juha I. Uitto ). These factors have ensured the Kisii to be among the most geographically widespread communities in East Africa. A disproportionately large number of Kisiis have gone abroad in search of education.The Kisii are some of the most heavily represented Kenyans in foreign (usually Indian and American) universities and a few in the United Kingdom. Their lands are currently overpopulated despite their rolling fertile hills, spurring immigration to other cities in Kenya and a substantial representation in the United States, especially in major hub cities like Houston, Atlanta, Jersey City, Dallas and Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The hard cash that flows from the diaspora has spawned significant economic prosperity in a locale lacking in politically motivated 'hand-me downs'.

Names like Areri, Arasa, Bogonko, Bosire, Isaboke, Mairura, Makori, Mogaka, Mogeni, Momanyi, Moseti, Motieri, Nyambane, Nyambati, Nyanumba, Nyabuti, Ocharo, Onchiri, Ongeri, Onkoba, Onsomu, Onyoni, Osebe, Otwori, Nyakoni, Bagwasi, Omanwa, Ongori, among others are common family names just like Smith and Johnson in the Anglo-Saxon cultures. Female names such as Biyaki, Bitutu, Moraa, Nyanchama, Monchari, Nyaboke, Nyatichi, Kemunto, Kerubo, Kwamboka, Kerebi, Gesare, Buyaki, Bwari, Bosibori, Bochaberi, Kemuma, and others are also common names given to girls.