Describe the way of life in the coastal towns of Kenya before the 19th century.
Answer:
- Each town had a leader whose title was the Sultan or sheikh.
- The towns were governed using Laws.
- People developed and spoke the Kiswahili language.
- Women wore ‘Buibui’ and men put on ‘Kanza’.
- The main religion practiced was Islam.
- The people adapted Arabic and Persian architectural designs.
- They ate oriental foods.
- They carried out trade with Europeans as well as with the communities in the
interior of Kenya.
- They practiced mixed farming or grew bananas, cashew nuts as well kept
animals.
- They carried out fishing.
- Education was provided in ‘Madrasa.’