The Kisi are a Bantu ethnolinguistic group native to the southern highlands of Tanzania, primarily in the Makete and Ludewa Districts of the Njombe Region, near the northwestern shore of Lake Malawi. They speak the Kisi language (Kikisi), which is part of the Bantu family within the Niger–Congo language group. While Kikisi remains in use, many Kisi also speak Nyakyusa and Swahili, especially in trade and education contexts.
Historically, the Kisi have lived in mountainous terrain near Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi), where they developed a culture centered around fishing, pottery, and agriculture. Kisi women traditionally bartered handmade clay pots, while men exchanged fish—including hippopotamus meat—for cattle from neighboring groups like the Sangu. The Kisi were also known for transporting people across Lake Nyasa by canoe, highlighting their deep connection to the water and trade routes.
The Kisi live in remote, hilly regions with limited infrastructure. Their economy is based on fishing, farming, and pottery. They grow cassava, maize, and beans, and rely heavily on Lake Nyasa for fish, which they trade inland. Transport is difficult due to rugged terrain and poor roads, so many Kisi still travel on foot between villages and markets, carrying goods such as pots and fish.
Villages are small and scattered, often built near water sources. Homes are typically constructed from local materials, and community life revolves around extended families and clan networks. Despite their resourcefulness, the Kisi face challenges related to isolation, limited access to education and healthcare, and economic vulnerability.
The Kisi primarily practice animism, a traditional belief system that sees spiritual essence in natural entities such as animals, plants, and rivers. Their religious worldview includes ancestral reverence and agricultural rituals. Sacred objects and ceremonies are used to communicate with spirits and seek blessings for harvests, health, and protection.
Christianity has reached some Kisi communities, and the Jesus Film is available in their language. However, evangelical presence is minimal, and syncretism between Christianity and traditional beliefs is common. Gospel recordings and radio broadcasts in Kikisi are not yet available, limiting spiritual engagement for those who do not speak Swahili fluently.
The Kisi people face a range of spiritual and practical challenges, including the absence of a complete Bible translation in their language, which restricts access to Scripture and discipleship; the lack of Christian media resources such as radio broadcasts and gospel recordings in Kikisi; minimal evangelical outreach and a shortage of trained Christian leaders within their communities; and the reality that many Kisi live in remote areas with limited access to education, healthcare, and clean water—underscoring the need for culturally sensitive evangelism to reach those who blend animist practices with Christian teachings.
Let us lift our hearts in prayer for the Kisi people—that the full Bible may be translated and widely shared in their language, bringing light and truth to every home. May God raise up passionate Kisi pastors and evangelists, equipped to disciple believers and plant vibrant churches rooted in love and grace. We ask for spiritual openness among animist communities, and for the gospel to be shared with deep respect and compassion.
Pray for holistic transformation that will sweep through Kisi communities, bringing renewed hope through better education, accessible healthcare, and clean water for all, opening hearts to the gospel.
Pray that true believers would surrender to God's call to make disciples of all people and would lovingly and graciously proclaim the gospel to their own people, nation, continent, and world.
Scripture Prayers for the Kisi in Tanzania.
Kisi People – Wikipedia
PeopleGroups.org – Kisi
Britannica – Kisi Tribe
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
