Kaptuli

By William Kiptoo

Located approximately 24 kilometers from Eldoret town towards Iten, is the Kaptuli trading center. It is administratively situated in Tembelio Ward of Moiben sub-county.

Kaptuli gained widespread attention in 2015 when it made headlines for reportedly banning bars and drinking establishments. The decision was made by the elders of the community who felt that consumers were not acting responsibly, leading to a situation where they grew tired of those who abused alcohol.

It derives it name from the Tooley family, a Boer settler who owned the land around there. The family migrated to Kenya from South Africa around 1922 and settled in various places before finally making Sergoit their home. Tragically, in 1966, Mr. Tooley and his wife passed away in a motor vehicle accident on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. Following this event, the remaining family members sold the farm and moved to different countries.

The property was later purchased by members of the Keiyo community, including the farmhouse.

Today, the Tooley family home is privately owned, with some buildings undergoing renovations and being maintained by the Catholic church, which also operates the Kaptuli Mission school.

There is also a thriving private school adjacent to the Kaptuli Mission school known as Mt. Zion.

The name "Kaptuli" in Kalenjin translates to "the home of Tooley."  It reflects the area's rich history and connection to the Tooley family.

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