Charar, in MOIBEN, UG County

 by William Kiptoo



Charar Settlement Scheme is located in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County. It was established as part of the Kenyan government's land transfer program that started in the 1960s and 1970s aimed to transfer land from white settlers to Africans, with the assistance of a loan from the British government.
Covering approximately 607 hectares of farmland the area is one of the 33 settlement schemes in Uasin Gishu County. It was allocated in 1982 and officially registered in 1990.
The scheme was created to accommodate 162 Kalenjin settlers who were previously farm workers at Karo/Emsilies and neighboring farms in Moiben sub-county.
Each individual of the Scheme was allocated a minimum of 5 acres of land, with a special plot of 100 acres designated for Charar school.
The special plot was a hundred-acre piece of land surrounding the farmhouse of the colonial settlers. It often came with unique conditions regarding usage or transfer compared to standard plots within the scheme due to the developments it entailed.
Originally known as Kap-Chemugulmet, which loosely translates as someone with a round head or simply a hard-headed person in Kalenjin language, Charar Scheme acquired its current name over time.
While the exact meaning of the name remains unclear, "Charar" in Hebrew means to burn, be hot, or be scorched. Charar-i-Sharief is also considered one of the most sacrosanct Muslim shrines in Badgam District in Kashmir. In Canada, the Charar family name has been mentioned as a family that resided in Alberta city in 1911.
Locally, Charar derives its name from the Charar family, also known as Chebisach, who once lived in the area around Lake Sergoit salt lick at the beginning of the 20th century.
The family originated from the union of a young Keiyo man who had formed an unlikely friendship with a young Maasai woman, affectionately known as Songol Kat. She was renowned for her radiant fair skin, towering height, and elegant neck.
Charar Settlement has since evolved into a thriving community with a larger population than its original allocation. The area has experienced a surge in interest in coffee and avocado farming, attracting people from all corners of the country.
There is also Lake Sergoit, also known as Charar Dam nearby, which is home to Caesars Waterfront Resort. The resort draws visitors from near and far.
Next time you visit Charar, take the opportunity to explore this fascinating community.

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