There are three Kikuyu women from the three traditional regions of Gikuyuland, Nyeri (Gaki wa Tetu), Muranga (Metumi Ndigi) and Kiambu (Kabete).
The three ladies according to Gikuyu Centre of Cultural studies, have distinctive characteristics that set them apart from each other.
Kiambu lady: She is said to be radiant and generous and therefore, welcoming. You will rarely knock on this woman's door and fail to be welcomed with a 'cup of tea'.
She is also said to be outgoing (Waceera/Njeri) perhaps because of trade and therefore, economically better than the Gaki and Metumi woman. This can be traced back to the old days where this woman was more in trade than anything else more so with the Maasais at the Dagoretti market.
As a result, she was well dressed and you could see her adorning Maasai attires acquired through the trade.
Muranga Woman: She is gracious and will afford you a comfortable style. Though she is not as generous as the Kiambu one, you can't sleep hungry when she is around.
Traditionally, in terms of riches, she came second to the Kiambu woman as she was doing more of farming than any other thing. As a result, Muranga was the food basket of Kikuyuland. This woman was the best grain farmer.
Nyeri Woman: Stereotypes apart, the woman cannot be said to be so generous and traditionally could only afford you a combative smile if not a frown.
Though not poor, she came last in term of riches as Kiambu and Muranga women were ahead of her. She is traditionally said to have been in a blend of trade and farming kind of economic activity.
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