Much of Africa's history has been passed on through the generations orally. One consequence of this is that traditional wisdom has been crystallized in the form of proverbs. Here is a collection of proverbs from Kenya.
Maasai of Kenya
- The deeds of a Man are greater than the details of his birth.
- The man with a full belly can court a woman, the starving man must also take his saucepan.
- Don't sweep another's house whilst your own is dirty.
- Good fortune doesn't roar like a lion.
- Rushing is not important, making sure is.
- Empty stomachs create friendships.
- Q. Who has more courage than a Maasai warrior? A. Two Maasai warriors.
Kikuyu of Kenya
- There is no difference between growing old and living your life.
- You will notice no hills on the road to your loved one.
- The only time you will see a quiet snake is when it has swallowed another snake.
- The early riser avoids the dew.
- Seeing rain clouds in the sky is not the same as getting wet.
- A frog can not stop the cow drinking from its pond by frowning.
Meru of Kenya
- He who keeps the company of a bad person, themselves becomes bad.
Kalenjin of Kenya
- Water doesn't stay in the sky forever.
- You shouldn't hate someone unless you have slept in their house.
- Do not accuse someone of witchcraft before they have cast a spell.
- The log on the pile laughs at the log on the fire.
