The nyatiti is a stringed instrument from Kenya with five to eight strings. It is played by the Luo people in Western Kenya, especially in the Siaya region near Kisumu. The instrument is about two to three feet long and has a bowl-shaped wooden body covered with cow skin. In the past, strings were made from cattle tendons, but today, most players use nylon and plastic fishing line. This change in materials greatly altered the sound of the nyatiti.

In Kenya, the nyatiti typically has eight strings. The tuning is often set to B-A-G#-E-E-D-B-A, starting from the top string. The outer strings play the same note, and the two middle strings are an octave apart. Some modern players adjust the tuning to suit their musical style. A common way to play the instrument uses the thumb and middle finger of both hands, alternating to create a rhythmic, circular pattern.

When played traditionally, the performer sits on a short chair called the orindi. A metal ring called the oduong'o is worn around the big toe of the right foot, and a set of metal bells called the gara is attached to the right leg. These items help the player keep a steady beat by tapping the ring on the nyatiti’s frame.

The nyatiti is usually played alone. In the past, some players were accompanied by male singers, but this is rare today. Occasionally, the instrument is played with other traditional instruments like the curved horn called the oporo or tung', the single-string instrument called the orutu, or percussion. Modern players sometimes combine the nyatiti with Western instruments such as guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums.

Traditionally, players wear a headdress called Kondo made from goat fur. Dancers who perform with the nyatiti wear colorful skirts called Owalo, made from sisal fibers. Many younger players no longer wear these traditional outfits, choosing modern clothing instead.

Some people believe that music from the nyatiti influenced the development of benga music.

Notable nyatiti players

• Ayub Ogada
• Eriko "Anyango" Mukoyama
• Charlotte Hill O'Neal (Mama C)
• Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno
• Obondi Diel Matara
• Dr. Pete Larson
• Thadayo Mtumra
• William Ogutu
• Amolo Kongo
• Andrew Bird, who performed the song "Nyatiti" in Useless Creatures
• Daniel Onyango
• James Obwanda
• Kake Wakake
• Lucas Odote
• Oduor Nyagweno
• Okumu K'orengo
• Ogola Opot
• Ogwang "Lelo" K'Okoth
• Isaac Anyanga
• Joseph Nyamungu
• Jennifer Atieno Sanna (aka Ati Sanna)
• Faith Oduor
• Demba Ochenga
• Achieng Odonge
• Makadem (Charles Adamson)