The Kikuyu are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, primarily residing in the central highlands. Their history dates back centuries, with a rich culture centered around agriculture, particularly the cultivation of maize and tea. The Kikuyu people traditionally worshipped a single god, Ngai, and their social structure was organized around clans. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Kikuyu faced significant challenges due to British colonialism. Land alienation and forced labor led to resistance movements, including the famous Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s. This struggle played a crucial role in Kenya's eventual independence in 1963.