Ancient Maasai Stone Kraals in Uasin Gishu

You may have observed the cave-like formations scattered across various locations in Uasin Gishu County. These are ancient Maasai stone Kraals.

Several years ago, the Uasin Gishu plateau was an expanse of grassland, serving as a grazing ground for the Wa-kwafi tribe until they were forcibly displaced by the Masai. Following their departure, the buffalo, eland, hartebeest, rhinoceros, and zebra thrived undisturbed, save for occasional encounters with passing caravans of European explorers or the Andorobo people.

Dotting the plateau were numerous Maasai Kraals, circular enclosures constructed from earth with strategically placed openings. Due to the scarcity of wood, the houses within these kraals were built using stone and mud. These structures resembled mounds of stone and earth, with central openings that was covered with bullock hides during during harsh weather. The inhabitants would then nestle inside, resembling birds in their nests. Today, these kraals are merely remnants of earthworks, forming circular outlines on the landscape. The abundance of game, particularly buffalo, was truly amazing.

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