Kamwe is a compound word formed of "Ka" and "Mwe", meaning people of the same consanguinity and affinity (matrilineal brotherhood).
It derived its meaning from a special type of Kamwe ornament worn by close relatives of a deceased person as a mark of identity and empathy.
[a] According to Kamwe elders, "Mwe" is the mark of true identity of relatives in Kamweland.
Kamwe elders say Higgi is a derogatory word coined from hagyi (grasshopper) by their neighbours the Margi.
Kwada Kwakaa, a great lion and leopard hunter is regarded as the founder of the settlement.