Lessons from the Kisii Work Ethic: A Neighbor’s Perspective
Introduction
In the realm of cultural observations, a recent X post by Kimajani Laboso, a Kalenjin neighbor of the Kisii people, shed light on an intriguing aspect of community dynamics and work ethic in Kenya. Laboso’s tweet, which reads, “As a neighbour of kisiis I can testify that they are more hardworking than us Kalenjin, whenever they identify unused or ‘useless’ part of your land, they may request you to lease them for a short time and after a while you will realise that the problem is not the land but you,” offers a fascinating insight into how different communities perceive and utilize resources. Let’s delve deeper into this observation and explore what it tells us about the Kisii people, productivity, and resource management.
As a neighbour of kisiis I can testify that they are more hardworking than us Kalenjin, whenever they identify unused or 'useless' part of your land , they may request you to lease them for a short time and after a while you will realise that the problem is not the land but you.
— Kimajani Laboso🐃 (@giddy_terer) February 7, 2025
Step-by-Step Analysis
- Recognition of Work Ethic:
- Laboso starts by comparing the work ethic between the Kisii and Kalenjin communities, suggesting that the Kisii are perceived to be more industrious. This comparison is significant because it comes from someone within a neighboring community, providing a unique external perspective on the Kisii’s dedication and diligence.
- Identification of Unused Land:
- The tweet highlights an interesting behavior of the Kisii people: they actively seek out unused or underutilized land. This proactive approach to land use indicates a resourcefulness and innovation that goes beyond passive acceptance of what is available. It suggests a cultural disposition towards maximizing productivity from any available resource.
- Leasing and Utilization:
- By requesting to lease these ‘useless’ parts of land, the Kisii demonstrate not just a willingness to work hard but also a strategic approach to land management. This practice shows an understanding that land, no matter how small or seemingly infertile, can be made productive with the right effort and ingenuity.
- Realization of Personal Responsibility:
- The crucial part of Laboso’s observation is the realization that “the problem is not the land but you.” This statement is profound as it shifts the focus from external conditions to self-reflection. It implies that the Kisii’s success in utilizing land effectively makes neighbors reflect on their own productivity and resourcefulness. It’s a lesson in personal accountability, suggesting that the potential for productivity lies within oneself, not merely in the resources at hand.
- Cultural and Economic Implications:
- The behavior of the Kisii people, as described, has broader implications for both cultural identity and economic development. Culturally, it reinforces the value of hard work, innovation, and communal support. Economically, it positions the Kisii as potential catalysts for regional development, as their approach to land use can lead to increased local productivity and economic activity.
Other Replies
Tweets by Larryh Errands @its_larryh Feb 7
Where I stay in Kikuyu town wa’kisii hage take over businesses such as selling sugar canes on wheelbarrows, selling chapatis and hotels in general and they are making some good money on it. I can testify majamaa wananove big sana.
Fred Matiang’i is a high profile Kisii vying for presidence in 2027 under Jubilee party the other is Mr. Maraga David.
solomon mfalme @MfalmeSol Feb 7
Abagusii are the fraud/scam/wash wash industry leaders.
They’re the pioneers of sophisticated internet scams in Nairobi and they’re now still the biggest players in this space and related.
They’ve also established themselves as successful immigrants in America.
Hon Ken Chemase. @KKChemase Feb 7
I have lived in Kisii for 6 years and can attest to whatever you are saying to be true,they have highly performing CBK compared to Kisumu and Eldoret,they have many relatives in Minnesota sending money home,they are very aggressive in business,it is also a home of notorious Cons
iGOTPROPERTIES | Doing it The Right Way @IAmTheDiadem Feb 7
In Kikuyu, there’s a whole place named “Kisii-Ndogo” wa’kisii feel safe anywhere and we appreciate them
Benson Andati @Benso79 Feb 7
Almost all banks operating in Kenya have branches in Kisii town. Tafakari hayo.
Kiptenai Tom @KiptenaiTom·Feb 7
Correct observation. Hardworking, and risk takers. One thing we need more research is on witchcraft allegations.
jua kalulu @KaluluJua Feb 7
Kisii there’s no more land we need to buy the whole of north Kenya and make it green.
Stephen Otieno @StephenO80976 Feb 7
Abagusii are deeply entrenched in the Word of God.The SDA biblical values are very strong in the community.That explains why it is very easy for them to succeed in many areas.
Rad10 @Kimu_Taai Feb 8
I don’t know the God these people have when it comes to luck, I have a neighbour who was educating his children with betting and I was like really bruv? Yes, that was true, mind you he didn’t select the games for himself and he used to pressurise me to do it for him.
NBS @NBS_001 Feb 7
Sir you forgot about their science. They are able to fly on brooms. They like to practice at night. Most people confuse them with night runners
Chweya M Obegi @Chweya_McObegi 20h
Not forgetting they were the only known African surgeons, could open and close the skull (Craniotomy) minus Anesthesia.
WeringaLynn 🇰🇪 @lynom Feb 8
The Abagusii welfare in mombasa is the most vibrant with buses and well organised meetings. An active member is sure of 100% support when bereaved.
There’s no honour dying on your knees! @jackndunya 23h
They have ventured out of that congestion and conquered parts of nakuru, and Kajiado counties thriving well in those areas.
Next election we cod have an elected Kisii in kajiado County.
Th3Sh3d @Sheddkimeu 23h
Indeed they are hardworking. There is a couple who came to my local market, dug a borehole and build a 3 🏬 building. She supplies water to a local school. Clap for them.
Pambazuko @konchellah23 14h
I am a Masai bordering Kisii community. In my village, every home host close to 5 Kisii people. The level of trust and friendship we’ve created is unmatched. There is this old man living in our home for 20 years now, surprisingly, we don’t even know where he comes from.
Mashru Wafula @MashruWafula Feb 7
Very true Mombasa Road they are majority of the owners and drivers of County Link, Rembo, Embassava and long distance they’ve done well with Ena Coach among others
Jœ Major🇰🇪 @jose_gates24 Feb 8
This is very true…I have seen how they raise families from picking tea and guys from my area are complaining how life is hard despite manual work being readily available. Mind you, they have come along way from home,but wao hawatabui,wanachangamkia kazi ajabu.
kunta @kenpainter7 Feb 7
Add, most of them are conmen or shrewed business people…plus ukiwafanyia kazi, chances are very high mtasumbuana kwa malipo au hatakulipa
Livingstone Amunga @GovOparanyaFan Feb 7
Very true.
I have Kisii friends and for sure these guys are very daring.
Jose Wainaina @14Menengai 20h
Kisii people are easy to live next to. they mind their own business.
Lïxø Mkûù😜 @FelikMutai 18h
Have you ever worked in Mjengo as “Mtu wa mkono” for a Fundi Mkisii
Woooi my friend huwa hawana huruma na pia they talk very rudely.
💢⚓Desire Job⚽✴️🥀🇰🇪💯 @jobmusyimi2 14h
Alot of them run Embassava sacco and parts of utawala now buying lands in malaa, joska kamulu
Hawker @jamoh20 Feb 8
Wajipange watupatie president 2027,let them choose between maraga and matiangi