The Great Famine of Kiptabis (1894) in Kerio Valley

 by William Kiptoo

The Kiptabis famine of 1894 was one of the most severe droughts recorded in Kerio Valley, forcing many Keiyo people to migrate to Maasailand, Tugen, Nandi, and Moiben in search of food. This led to widespread displacement and suffering, with entire families uprooted from their ancestral lands.
According to research, the famine was particularly devastating for women and children. With food supplies depleted, nursing mothers could no longer produce milk, resorting to feeding their babies boiled herbs, which ultimately led to high infant mortality. Mothers, consumed by grief, carried their babies' corpses to the bush to be devoured by hyenas. Hunger was so extreme that women tied stones around their bellies to suppress the pangs, waiting for scraps from their families.
Local folklore say children suffered severe malnutrition, causing their rectums to protrude due to muscle collapse. In desperation, some parents sold their children to the Nandi in exchange for food, urging them not to cry as it was the only way to save their lives.
Hearing tales of abundant food in Kakamega, it is said women formed groups and journeyed there, guided only to Sergoit Hill, as the dangerous Kipsuraek warriors patrolled Moiben, known for mutilating men. The women braved treacherous paths, sleeping in trees to avoid wild animals. Upon arrival, the Kakamega people welcomed them, offering food and shelter but warning against theft, which was punishable by being tied to trees for hyenas.
Though many wished to remain in Kakamega, the women returned home, determined to save their starving communities. Their journey back was perilous, as Maasai warriors attacked, scattering and urinating on their grain. Nevertheless, they salvaged what they could and arrived home to the joyous sight of long-awaited rain, bringing renewed hope to their people.

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