The Kikuyu (also Agĩkũyũ/Gĩkũyũ) are a Bantu ethnic group native to Central Kenya, but also found in significantly less numbers in Tanzania. At a population of 8,148,668 as of 2019, they account for 17.13% of the total population of Kenya, making them the largest ethnic group in Kenya.
They share common ancestry with the Embu, Kamba, Meru, Mbeere and Tharaka. Traditionally they inhabited the area around Mount Kenya, including the following counties: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Nakuru, though today, you will find the kikuyu in every corner of Africa and the world.
They are among the Kenyan communities that championed the struggle for Kenya’s independence through the Mau Mau movement and the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA).
