Kipsigis to preserve Mursik milk as a cultural asset

Kericho County is set to launch a bold initiative aimed at transforming ‘Mursik, the iconic Kipsigis fermented milk, into a symbol of the region’s cultural identity and a key driver of economic growth.

Spearheaded by the Natural Products Industrialization (NPI) and the Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Bank, this initiative seeks to preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of the Kipsigis people while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaking at the Scaling Projects from Culture to Trade Forum, Judith Chirchir, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Culture, Libraries, and Social Services, detailed the plan that will elevate ‘Mursik’ beyond its role as a local tradition drink whose goal is to position it as a globally recognized cultural product, strengthening Kericho’s economic foundation while fostering pride in its indigenous heritage.

“We want to elevate ‘Mursik’ as the signature drink of Kericho, transforming it into a product that represents not only our culture but also our economic potential. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that the Kipsigis cultural assets, including ‘Mursik’, tea, and coffee, can thrive both locally and in international markets,” Chirchir explained.

The centrepiece of the initiative will be the establishment of a 4,000m² industrial hub in Soliat center in Soin Sub-County, which will serve as a cultural preservation and enhancement center that will focus on refining and promoting indigenous products, with ‘Mursik’ taking the lead as a symbol of Kericho’s cultural resurgence.

“The Natural Products Industrialization initiative aims to enhance the value of our traditional products by improving branding, packaging, and marketing strategies to transform the products into globally competitive commodities while preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Kipsigis people,” added Chirchir.

‘Mursik, ’ traditionally made from cow or goat milk and fermented in a calabash gourd lined with soot from specific trees, is deeply embedded in the daily life of the Kipsigis community due to its distinct flavor and cultural significance.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, through the NPI, has already undertaken the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK-DODI) project to protect and promote traditional assets within the Kipsigis community and ensure that the indigenous knowledge preserved is transformed into valuable assets, creating opportunities for sustainable development.