What is taitas?

Taitas, also known as Taita people or the Wataita, are an indigenous Bantu-speaking community residing in Kenya. They primarily inhabit Taita Taveta County in the southeast of the country, near the border with Tanzania. The Taitas are known for their unique culture, traditions, and language.

The Taita community is divided into three main subgroups: the Bura, Sagala, and Taveta. They are mainly farmers and livestock herders, with their economy being reliant on subsistence agriculture. The Taitas also engage in small-scale trade, handicrafts, and tourism.

The Taita language, also known as Kimtaita or Kitaita, is a Bantu language spoken by the Taita people. It has several dialects, including Sagala, Bura, and Taveta. The language is currently classified as endangered, with fewer than 200,000 speakers worldwide.

The Taita people have a rich cultural heritage, with their customs and traditions reflecting a blend of traditional African beliefs and modern influences. They celebrate various cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Mwashebi festival (a harvest festival), Ngoma ya vuaka (a traditional dance festival), and Mbirizi (a circumcision ceremony for boys).

In recent years, the Taita community has faced various challenges, including land grabbing, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare. Nonetheless, the Taitas still strive to preserve their unique culture and traditions while also embracing modernity.