Wonders of Sergoit Hills

  William Kiptoo d o r s e p n t S o 6 0 b 7 i 1 3 m i 4 e 0 9 N 7 8 m l 5 v c 4 l h 3 i g 2 8 2 e 8 g o   3 1 a 1 f l 5 2 9 9   2 3 r m   · Another version of Sergoit story Sergoit, an area in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, is an area rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its prominent feature, the Sergoit Hill, this region holds a unique place in the historical and geographical narrative of the Rift Valley. Early History The area surrounding Sergoit was originally inhabited by indigenous communities, primarily the Maasai and the Kalenjin people, who practiced pastoralism and subsistence farming. Sergoit Hill, a striking geological feature, served as a natural landmark and was historically a place of cultural and spiritual importance to the local communities. Oral histories suggest it may have been used as a vantage point and a gathering site for community rituals. Colonial Era During the early 20th century, the colonial government identified the fert...

  Eldoret, has vibrant estates, each with its own unique identity, history, and socioeconomic profile. Here is a detailed exploration of some of Eldoret's key suburbs. Elgon View —a symbol of affluence, Elgon View is located in the southern part of Eldoret. Once designated for the British colonial elite, it now serves as home to wealthy residents, including athletes and politicians. Its serene environment and proximity to the Central Business District (CBD) make it one of Eldoret’s most desirable neighborhoods. Pioneer estate —is a middle-class estate with readily available rental houses. It was initially inhabitated by the Pioneer Afrikaner families that arrived in Eldoret at the beginning of the centruary, hence the name. In 1973, the government constructed modest housing for its workers and remained as Municipal Council houses. One bedroom houses range between 6,000- 12 000 Kenyan shillings. For a two bedroom house, you will have to part with around 10,000- 20,000 Kenyan shillin...

  The locals in the area call it Kapkaro, which means the home of Karo in the local Kalenjin language. The farm was also called Kazi Mingi. There was even a signpost in the 1980s at Tugen Estate trading center pointing towards Karo farm that read “Kazi Mingi”. And the nearby school is called Emsilies. But what is the origin of these names? This farm, spanning nearly 3000 acres in Sergoit ward in Moiben, was once owned by a Boer farmer named Karole Emsilie. Emsilies was a prolific farmer who took up farming in these area during the colonial period. When Emsilie left Kenya in the 1970s for South Africa, the farm was leased out to a group of Indian farmers. In the late 1970s, Hon Nicholas Biwot, a powerful minister in the Moi government, took over the management of the farm. He employed hundreds of workers and an Indian manager named Mutubai to run the farm, with his son Mr. Nassir. Hon Biwot continued the farm’s legacy of intensive farming, growing wheat and barley and also practicin...

  By William Kiptoo Kimumu is an estate located in the outskirts of Eldoret, near Chepkoilel Junction, off Iten Road. It covers a huge piece of land that stretched from East of Eldoret post office all the way to Marura and Eldoret University. Originally known as Eastern Municipality farm, it was first owned by a Boer farmer named Theunissen. Later, it was owned by another colonial farmer who was known as Kapmarobia by the locals (meaning someone broke because he was often broke.) After Kapmarobia, a Norwegian settler took over the land. The locals had a hard time understanding his English, so they thought he was mumbling when he spoke. They started calling him Mumu, which eventually led to the name Kamumu and then Kimumu. Mumu specialized in growing wattle trees, which were used by the East African Tanning company in Eldoret. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Kimumu was designated as public land for the future expansion of the town. Wattle trees continued to be grown on the...

By WillIam Kiptoo Known today as Koitoror, the area locals once called Kapsoni carries a history dating back to 1906. That year, a three-year-old boy named Sonny Vallerie Cloette arrived from South Africa with his family, bringing along their cherished cattle, sheep, and horses. His father, Christiaan Cloette, was granted land in what is now Koitoror and established the farm he named Concordia. The Cloette family transformed the Concordia farm into a thriving enterprise, importing cattle from South Africa and Uganda and raising over 50 peafowl. In 1910, Christiaan Cloette hired Rotich, a dedicated worker who served the family for 54 years. Sonnie himself chronicled these early days in articles for *Friends of East Africa*, an annual South African magazine. His writings, filled with humor and vivid imagery, offer a rare glimpse into life in Uasin Gishu during the early 20th century. One of his most poignant reflections comes from 1941, a moment when global and local changes loomed large...