Describe the socio-economic organization of Akamba during the 19th century.
The Akamba or Kamba or Wakamba people are believed to have migrated from the Congo Basin in the 17th century and settled in Kenya, particularly in the southern part of the former Eastern Province. This region is known as Ukambani, which includes Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties. Their other tongue is Kikamba.
Social organization of Akamba people
The social organization of the Akamba people is centered on clans, age sets, and family units.
Clans: The Akamba are organized into patrilineal clans, meaning descent is traced through the father’s line. Each clan was named basing on its occupation i.e porters, farmers, blacksmith, hunting and pastrol clan. Clans are further divided into sub-clans and lineages.
Age Sets: The Akamba also have a system of age sets, which are groups of individuals born within a specific period. A man was considered an adult after reaching the 4th grade (Imwana)
Family Units: The basic social unit is the family, which typically consists of a husband, his wife or wives, their sons, and their wives. Men were primarily responsible for livestock and women for agriculture and upbringing of children.
Religion of Akamba people: The Akamba believed in a supreme being called Ngai or Mulungu, who is considered the creator and sustainer of the universe. They also believed in Ancestral and nature sprits. They performed ceremonies, prayers, dances and offered sacrifices to appease these gods. Rituals and ceremonies included initiation rites, marriage ceremonies, and rituals to mark significant life events such death.
Leadership and settling disputes: The Akamba had elder councils that play a crucial role in governance and decision-making. These councils are composed of respected elders who are seen as wise and experienced. They mediated disputes, make community decisions, and provide guidance on various matters.
Security of Akamba people: The Akamba people did not have a standing army, but youths were trained in military drills and called to safeguard the society when need arose. Men would be trained in the use of weapons such as spears and bows to protect their families and livestock from external threats.
Education: Informal education constituted part of the culture and mainly done by elders to impart norms and values in the society.
Economic organization of the Akamba people
By the 19th century, the Akamba people had a well-established economic system that was primarily based on agriculture, pastoralism, trade, and crafts. Here’s a closer look at their economic organization during that period:
Agriculture: The Akamba practiced subsistence farming, growing crops such as maize, beans, millet, sorghum, and sweet potatoes. Agriculture was the backbone of their economy, providing food for their families and surplus for trade. They integrated trees and shrubs into their farming systems, which helped in soil conservation and provided additional resources like fruits and timber.
Pastoralism: The Akamba people practiced a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving their livestock seasonally to access water and grazing lands and kept livestock, particularly cattle, goats, and sheep. The animals provided milk, meat, and hides, and also served as a measure of wealth and social status.
Trade: The Akamba engaged in trade within and outside their communities, exchanging agricultural produce and livestock for other goods and services. Local markets were established where people gathered to buy, sell, and trade goods. These market centers played a crucial role in the local economy.
Crafts: The Akamba were renowned for their skills in wood carving, weaving and pottery producing items such as masks, sculptures, and utensils that were sold in local and international markets.
Division of labour: Men mostly were involved in clearing land for cultivation, herd cattle, build fences, houses and trade. Women participated in sowing, harvesting, pottery and crafts making.
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Dr. Bbosa Science
