Mijikenda

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This article is about the collection of ethnic groups. For the desert, see, Nyiri Desert. For film award, see, Nika Award.

The Mijikenda ("the nine cities") are the nine ethnic groups along the coast of Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Historically, these ethnic groups have been called the Nyika or Nika by outsiders. It is a derogatory term meaning "bush people".

The Mijikenda include the Digo, Chonyi, Kambe, Duruma, Kauma, Ribe, Rabai, Jibana, and Giriama. Each have unique customs and language, although the languages are similar to each other and to Swahili. ((This last sentence was incorrect as it implies that culture in Kenya was destroyed by colonial presence; and, colonial presence was heavy on the coast as an economic center)