Kipsigis
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The Kipsigis is a pastoralist tribal group in Kenya, speaking the Kipsigis language.
They are a sub-group of the Kalenjin and originated in the Sudan, moving into the Kenyan area in the 18th Century. The current settlement of the Kipsigis is in the Rift Valley province of Kenya.
The Kipsigis are the most numerous of the Kalenjin. Current estimated population is 785,000. They occupy the higlands of Kericho stretching from Timboroa to Mara River in the south, the west of Mau Escarpment in the east to Kebeneti in the west. They also occupy, parts of Laikipia, Kitale, Nakuru, Eldoret and Nandi Hills.
The Kipsigis are considered to be the most exposed of the subtribes, though job opportunities and prominence deminished under Moi due to tribal jealousy and fear by Moi of the educated Kipsigis. Education stardards fell and general development failed and the people were subjected to political manipulation. It is not uncommon to find the Kipsigis living in abject poverty compared to the Tugen and Keiyos, Moi's favourite subtribes of the Kalenjin. The Kipsigis were used as the electrol vote generators, but real development and enrichment went to Tugen and Keiyo, though they are less educated and live in arid lands. The Nandis faced the Kipsigis plight to a lesser extend. The Kipsigis are well known for humility, hardship endurance and do not show emotions.