Sergoit Hill in Moiben, Uasin Gishu

 By William Kiptoo

Sergoit Hill, a prominent rock outcrop on the Uasin Gishu Plateau, rises as a notable landmark within the scenic landscape of Kenya’s Rift Valley. Located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Eldoret and only about 3 kilometers from the Eldoret–Iten road toward Moiben, the hill reaches an elevation of around 6,857 feet (2,090 meters) above sea level. Its healthy, temperate climate and surrounding agricultural lands make Sergoit Hill not only visually appealing but a unique destination for tourists and hikers. On a clear day, panoramic views extend to Mt. Kenya to the east, Mt. Elgon to the west, the rolling Nandi Hills to the south, and the vast Cherangany Hills to the north.

Beyond its natural beauty, Sergoit Hill also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, including the endangered Rothschild giraffe, antelopes, duikers, and various bird species. This sanctuary is co-owned by the Kruger family, residents at the hill’s base since 1908, and the Sergoit Golf and Wildlife Resort. Recently, a new species of aloe—*Aloe sergoitensis*—was discovered on the hill, distinguishing itself with unique leaf margins and coral-red flowers (Haseltonia, 2018).

The hill has a fascinating geological and cultural history. According to geologists, Sergoit Rock was formed through phonolitic lava flows during the Miocene era, with gneiss and quartzite protrusions that rise above the lava’s surface (Sanders, 1963).

The landscape around Sergoit was initially an open veld where, around 1800, the Illwuasin-kishu Maasai grazed their cattle. However, the colonial Land Regulations of 1899 disrupted their settlement, displacing indigenous communities and opening these fertile lands to European settlers (Tarus, 1994).

Local legend recounts that the name "Sergoit" has its origins in the 17th century when a severe drought led local elders from the Elgeyo Marakwet community to seek divine intervention at the hill. Their prayers were answered with rain, and they named the site “Seree-goit,” or "our mission was fruitful," later becoming "Tulwop Sergoit" (Sergoit Hill). Another interpretation holds that "Sergoit" comes from "sir koita," or "to write on the rocks," referencing ancient hieroglyphic-like symbols found on the stones.

Sergoit Hill is cherished as a cultural landmark, particularly for the Kalenjin communities of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. The hill is steeped in folklore, including a story about a brave Marakwet man who encountered and married a Maasai woman, Chebo Wangola, whom he found living atop the hill with her cattle (Kipkorir, 2008).

The hill’s historical significance also extends to its role as a settlement area for early 20th-century Afrikaner immigrants. In 1908, Jan Van Rensburg led 58 Afrikaner families to the region, which was subsequently divided among settlers, including Arthur Cecil Hoey, a renowned English settler and hunter. Hoey first spotted the caravan of Afrikaners as he watched wildlife from the hilltop, writing of the striking image of ox-drawn wagons winding through the landscape (Anderson, 1969).

Air photograph of Sergoit Rock taken by the No.82 Squadron of the Royal Air-force in 1950.