Wonders of Sergoit Hills

  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 du...

  In the 1980s/90s village discos were extremely popular, especially in many rural areas of Kenya. In Many Kalenjin counties, these vibrant social events were referred to as Tansi (dance). They brought together local youth, particularly during holidays and typically took place at night in someone's home or an outdoor area, featuring music, dance, and a sense of camaraderie among participants. Girls from other villages were often invited by boys, and it was important for the girls to be accompanied by boys and brought back home safely by their parents. The boys who owned music record players were especially popular and attracted many girls. How Tansi Worked The boys would plan ahead and contribute money for refreshments like bread and tea to entertain the girls. They would then write invitation letters and distribute them to their friends or directly to the girls about a week before the Tansi. Attendance was by invite only, so not just anyone could come. Every village had to bring t...

  If you’ve ever been to Eldoret and craved fresh bread and pastries, chances are you’ve heard of Pauls Bakery. Established in 1977 by the late Paul Kamau, this family-run bakery has been delighting the North Rift region for decades. Known for their signature cookies and hot, freshly baked bread, Pauls Bakery is a name synonymous with quality and nostalgia. Originally working for a Goan baker, Paul Kamau took over the business, transforming it into a local favorite. By the 1980s, it had become a professional and reputable establishment, delivering freshly baked goods across the region. Their downtown shop at Opera Building is still a go-to spot for a quick bite of Nusu Mkate paired with a cold soda. Paul’s legacy, has gone as far as Naivasha and Nairobi. From their humble beginnings to becoming a regional powerhouse, Pauls Bakery remains a cherished gem of Eldoret.

  Just 20 kilometers northeast of Eldoret town, on the Moiben plateau, lies Sergoit Hill, a stunning tree-covered rocky outcrop surrounded by vast wheat farms. This natural hill hosts an extraordinary tradition that has endured for nearly 50 years: the Sergoit Hill Annual Pilgrimage. Every Christmas and New Year, in a festive spirit, hundreds of people hike to the top of Sergoit Hill in a ritual reminiscent of the biblical gathering of saints. From the hilltop, pilgrims enjoy breathtaking views of the sprawling wheat farms, the Cherang’any and Ndalat Hills, and the serene landscape that stretches beyond the horizon. The views are stunning and the gentle mountain breeze and tranquil environment create a refreshing escape for all who visit. Believed to have started in the 1970s, the Sergoit Hill Pilgrimage has grown into a defining feature of the local culture. With nearly five decades of history, the Sergoit Hill Annual Pilgrimage represents a unique cultural treasure. And although ...

  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...