Wonders of Sergoit Hills

By Titus Kolongei. Shared in our Facebook group by Ronald Kosgei Arap Koech. First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 19 November 2023. In the 1960s and 1970s, a distinctive style of fencing was widespread on the Ainabkoi Settlement Scheme in Uasin Gishu County. Setting up the fence corners and drilling the holes with a boriit, a hand drill, was done meticulously, and the poles used were cedar, known as tarakwet. Most of the original cedar pole fencing at Ainabkoi still stands strong sixty years later. Unfortunately, only a small share of the third generation can put up such a good fence. To keep the skill alive, we may need to establish a school of fencing. The photograph that went with this note was taken in the 1960s at Kapsimit, Kap Smith, in Kapngetuny, by the father of Howard Smith. He was instrumental in establishing the Ainabkoi Settlement Scheme, which began at Miniota Farm. Photo credit to my friend Howard Smith. First shared in The Wonders of Sergo...

By William Kiptoo. Photographs courtesy of Howard Smith and his family. These photographs show farming at Miniota Farm in Ainabkoi, East Uasin Gishu, in the 1950s and 60s. The land is now Kapngetuny High School, also known as Kapsimit, from "Kap Smith." Mr Allison Smith and Mrs Milicent Smith owned the land from the 1930s. After the Second World War their son, Mr Peter Smith, took over its management and ran it until 1960/61, when the Ainabkoi Settlement Scheme was established and the land was transferred to the Settlement Trust Fund (STF). Peter Smith was instrumental in setting up the scheme, and he later served in a similar role at the Ahero Settlement Scheme. The photographs show the farm's mechanisation and the introduction of cattle dips to fight tick borne disease. Take note of the historic John Deere tractors with roller wheels. The collection was shared by my friend Mr Howard Smith, the grandson, who now lives in Canada. He was pleased to learn of my interest...