Kenya is a good place to find traditional musical instruments. Drums are very easy to find. Many of Kenya's traditional cultures developed musical forms based around drumming, called Ngoma. Even today, drumming is used at many festive ceremonies; religious events and political rallies.Drums are most large and round with a taut goat or cowhide skin. They are predominantly flat based or three legged and played by a seated drummer. Longer drums, like those used by the Shukka tribe, are leant forward and held between the thighs of a standing musician. Some of the larger drums are often bought to be used as coffee tables.

On the coast drums tend to be smaller and are used in traditional Taarab and Swahili music. Elongated drums that are held under the arm and played with a curved stick are used, as are smaller palm and finger drums similar to the Indian Tablas and large flat tambour drums played by rapidly rotating the drum across an open palm.The coast is also home to a unique wind instrument called the Siwa which is a large, ornately carved wooden flute capped off with the horn of a cow. Good examples of the Siwa can be found on Lamu, where they play a significant role in local festivities and events.

Traditional stringed instruments are found throughout Kenya, mostly originated from the tribes of Western Kenya. The Nyatiti is similar to the European lyre, with strings bound to a curved arm. Played like a harp this instrument produces a particularly beautiful sound.