Kessup: The First Protestant Mission in Keiyo

By Kipkemoi Araap Korir (Barmoiben) of Mombilen. Shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group by Henry Kibiwott Chebii and by Jackson James Singoei, with a further note from Sergoit Eye. Full text.

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 1 October 2020.

Kesup: A History

Kesup in Elgeyo Marakwet County is famous for being home to a celebrated girls' school and breathtaking scenery. Here is its history.

The Kesup African Inland Mission (AIM) station was started in January 1937. The AIM mission at Kapsowar, through Dr Leigh Ashton, applied for a plot at Kessup from the Chief Native Commissioner in October 1936. Kesup became the first Protestant mission station to be established in Keiyo district.

Its establishment was through the efforts of the AIM stations in Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu and Nandi. The USA backed Africa Inland Mission started a school at Kesup, between the highlands and Tambach, in 1938.

The original founder was Edgar Bryson and his wife, nicknamed Kobot Chemutai. The pioneer students included Samuel Kokoi, Elijah Chemweno, Jeremiah Yab, Joshua Cheptum, Paulo Koiser and Job Katam.

For those conversant with the origins, what does Kesup mean? Is it literally "follow" (sup, kesup, asupi, isup)? Were the new converts said to have followed (koisup, kesup) the missionaries? Or is there another meaning?

A Note from Sergoit Eye

The name Kessup is believed by some to be linked to the word "sup," meaning "to follow," possibly referring to people who followed the missionaries who settled in the area. However, the exact origin and meaning of the name remain a subject of local history and debate.

Kessup in Elgeyo Marakwet County is known for its beautiful scenery and famous girls' school. Its modern history dates back to the 1930s, when the African Inland Mission (AIM) established a station there in January 1937. In 1938, AIM also started a school at Kessup, with Edgar Bryson and his wife, popularly known as Kobot Chemutai, among the early founders.

See also Kipkigey arap Ayobei and the Beginnings of Kessup Girls.

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