Samburu land forms a wedge separating Turkana territory to the west and Rendille territory to the east. To the south it is contained by the Lorogi Plateau marking the beginning of the central highlands. Traditional allies with the Rendilli, with whom they share some of their customs, they are, however, sworn enemies of the Turkana engaged in a seemingly constant conflict over grazing rights. Inhabiting a relatively richer area they have a lot to defend. The lofty volcanic mountains of Nyiru and Kulal form their main strongholds in times of strife and drought.

A nomadic Maa speaking people, the Samburu, like the Maasai with whom they are related, are thought to have migrated south to their present tribal areas from the north of Lake Turkana several centuries ago. They have long resisted change or intrusions into their age old customs. For several decades, following their move even further south from Marsabit by the British during colonial times, a policy of laissez faire was adopted towards them, as is now the case under the current authorities in Nairobi.

The Samburu (approximately 75,000 strong) are cattle owning pastoralists who mainly live off the products of their herds. Milk is the principle food, augmented with the blood from living cattle or from sheep and goats slaughtered for meat in the dry season. The semi desert conditions preclude any form of agriculture apart from in the highland areas of Nyiru, Kulal and Lorogi where maize and vegetables are cultivated on smallholdings (Manyattas). This has afforded the Samburu in these areas the opportunity to settle and lead a more sedentary life, a divergence from their true origins as pastoralists.