At a glance, Elizabeth Cheptarus looks like your ordinary village youth. A chat with her, however, uncovers an elderly person ageing gracefully.
She shares her secrets with a hearty laugh.
“I did not eat the ordinary cooking oil that is sold nowadays in our shops. I relied on milk cream,” she says.
Cheptarus, 77, a resident of Nandi county, also credited traditional vegetables, which she says maintained her vitality.
These include pumpkin leaves, Amaranthus, Bacella alba (nderema), spider plant (saget), black night shade (manage) and osuga.
“Traditional food is heathy,” she says. Cheptarus was among members of the Nandi community who showcased during the Taptengelei Cultural Festival on January 17.
A vibrant celebration of Nandi culture and heritage, it took place at the Tinderet Integrated and Technical College.
This year’s event featured traditional dances, attire, architecture, music, artifacts and cuisine, offering locals and visitors a unique glimpse into the rich culture of the community.
OLD IS GOLD
Cheptarus says the festival provided a platform for the community to pass their traditions to the youth. She believes the community could be doomed if such traditions are not passed from one generation to the other.
“People who do not know where they came from look lost,” she says. In the past, she says, a special guard was used to drink water unlike today, where cups or glasses are used.
“We never used to wear clothes,” she says. “The only attire then was made from hides and skins.”
Fellow community member Paul Arusia reiterated the need to educate the youth to preserve the community’s culture and heritage.
“We should take records of what we used to have both from men and women so that they are not lost,” Arusia says.
For instance, marriage used to follow certain protocols that risk being forgotten, he says.
“The parents and old men for the young man seeking a hand in marriage would come and camp in the compound near a special tree planted near the house,” Arusia says.
“They would wait to see if they will be accepted or rejected. If accepted, they would be ushered into the house, and if not, they would leave a replica of the special tree outside before leaving.”
During the festival, the Social Health Authority conducted registrations. ere was also a free medical camp.
Rich oral traditions were also in plenty. The Taptengelei Cultural Festival was part of the Magical Kenya Trail Series, which combines cultural festivities, environmental initiatives like tree planting and sporting events to boost tourism.
The series, titled the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, was organised in collaboration with Athletics Kenya.
It aimed to position Kenya as a premier destination for adventure and sports tourism.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei was the chief guest at the Nandi Cultural Festival and the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run, both in Nandi County.
Koskei said the efforts seek to promote ecotourism, cultural heritage and Kenya’s blend of nature, culture and athleticism.
“The government remains committed to positioning Kenya as a top destination for tourism, culture, sport and environmental stewardship, delivering economic and social benefits,” he said.
Kenya is internationally known for the big five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. It is also known for its sandy beaches.
It is also famous for producing the best running athletes, some of whom are now acting as Kenya’s ambassadors. Statistics from the state show that Kenya attracted 2.4 million visitors last year, generating more than Sh350 billion in revenue.
NEW PRODUCTS
Through various interventions, such as the Magical Kenya Trail Series, the state is keen to attract more visitors by developing more products.
For instance, Kenya aims to attract 200,000 adventure travelers in five years. The Trail Series was launched on January 13 to highlight Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage.
The five-day Heritage Trail Expedition began in Laikipia before proceeding to Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo and Nandi counties.
The climax of the expedition was on January 18 with the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, an iconic race at the heart of Nandi County.
Beyond promoting tourism, the initiative supported Kenyan athletes, local communities and conservation efforts.
On January 13, the participants had a welcome reception and cultural entertainment and fire chats at Best Western Panari, a stone’s throw away from the iconic Thomson’s Falls.
On January 14, participants were flagged off by Koskei, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano and Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei.
Participants included cyclists and hikers. They traversed Subukia, the scenic Lake Solai and the Hannington View Point (Kapicha) for a scenic view of Lake Bogoria.
At the Lake Bogoria Spa and Resort, participants were entertained by Endorois Moran dancers, while others enjoyed warm natural swimming.
Chepkemei said collaborating with Athletics Kenya enhances Kenya’s profile as both a sports and adventure tourism destination.
She said the series forms part of the broader Kenya Adventure Tourism Club initiative launched in July last year.
“This initiative brings together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including adventure experience providers, tourism experts and suppliers from across Kenya’s nine tourism circuits,” the KTB boss said.
“It seeks to foster collaboration and position Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure enthusiasts.”
On January 15, participants departed for Kabarnet through Kormoson-Irong Conservancy archeological site, where they witnessed what used to be a baboon parliament.
At Kormoson-Irong Conservancy archeological site, ancient structures stood out for the participants. Baringo chief warden William Kimosop said the structures have not been studied.
Irong conservancy chairman Samuel Kiptek said the area has good scenery. The area has interesting scenery of stone formation.
Kiptek said some of the sites provide a perfect meeting point for elders in the community.
The participants then proceeded to Kipngochoch forest, which is a community conservancy, before arriving in Kabarnet.
As part of contributing to the 15 billion tree-growing agenda, participants grew tree seedlings in all the areas they traversed.
On January 16, the participants departed to Kerio Valley through the scenic SS road to Chebloch Gorge, where divers who also double up as rescuers showcased their talents.
Chebloch Gorge divers rescue team chairman Felix Kiplimo said they are 16 members in number. “We dive to entertain and help in search and recovery efforts in the North Rift region,” he said.
Kiplimo said they started in 2013 and they have since benefitted. “About nine people from my team have been enlisted in the Kenya Defence Forces.”
MOUNTAIN RUN
The Barng’etuny Mountain Run is an exciting annual event held in Tinderet, Nandi county and organised as part of the Magical Kenya Trail Series.
This year’s Mountain Run featured races for various age groups and categories as it exhibited the region’s stunning landscapes, promoted community engagement and diversity.
The event’s categories included 14km, 4km, 1km and 500m. It attracted runners from Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Kisumu, Bomet and Kisii counties as well as Spain and South Africa.
As athletes raced through spectacular hilly landscapes and tea farms, the run showcased the close link between sports and tourism as well the importance of sports in harnessing diversity and bringing people together.
Alfred Cheruiyoit won the 14km men’s race after clocking 1.09.04, followed by Ken Koros (1.09.33) and Richard Atuya (1.09.35).
The top athletes bagge d Sh500,000, runners-up Sh200,000 and the third Sh100,000. They also received a grade dairy cow worth Sh200,000, a dorper sheep and a Galla goat respectively.
Janet Chepng’etich was the winner of the 14km women’s race. She was followed by Mercy Chemutai and in third place was Miriam Chepkurui.
The state says it is keen on investing in sports, culture and tourism to create a vibrant and sustainable industry.
The run traversed hilly mountains,
testing human strength, endurance
and the spirit of diversity amidst the
breathtaking landscapes and vibrant
cultural heritage of the region.
