Sebei Sabiny Peoples Culture Mount Elgon National Park Forest Kapkugo Festival Traditional Culturals

The Kalenjin are a large Nilotic ethnic group indigenous to East Africa, primarily residing in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, with smaller populations in Uganda and Tanzania. The name "Kalenjin" means I tell you I have told you" and was adopted as a unifying identity in the 1940s by several related, Nandi-speaking tribes.
Key Facts About the Kalenjin People
Population and Location As per the 2019 census, there are over 6.3 million Kalenjin individuals in Kenya, making them one of the country's major ethnic groups. They primarily live in the fertile highlands of the Rift Valley province
Sub-Tribes: The Kalenjin grouping consists of ten culturally and linguistically related sub-tribes or dialects
Nandi
Kipsigis
Tugen
Keiyo
Sengwer
Marakwet
Pokot (Suk)
Sabaot (Sebei)
Ogiek
Terik
Culture and History: They are descendants of migrants from the Nile River area or western Ethiopian highlands and were traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists.Religion: Traditional Kalenjin religion involved a supreme god, Asis or Cheptalel, represented by the sun, and spirits of the dead (oyik). Today, most identify as Christian, with some following Islam.
Long-Distance Running: The Kalenjin are world-renowned for their exceptional success in long-distance running, producing a disproportionate number of international champions and Olympic medalists. High altitude living and a running culture are often cited as contributing factors
Kapkugo is a movement to preserve heritage, and reignite a sense of belonging among the Kalenjin people and all who value cultural identity.Kapkugo, meaning “where our grandfather hails”, is a cultural pilgrimage—an annual return to Mount Elgon, the historical homeland of the Kalenjin people. It is a gathering, a reconnection, and a revival of our indigenous identity. Founded by Miriam Chepkoech Koske, Kapkugo was born out of a search for identity and the desire to integrate the Kalenjin culture in her life. It is an intentional return to the wisdom of our ancestors and a movement in celebrating culture, rekindling pride and preserving heritage for future generations.Why Kapkugo exists,It's about Identity
To document and preserve Kalenjin culture through festivals and archives. We are preserving indigenous knowledge and making it accessible to generations today and tomorrow,It's about Community
To revive national pride by highlighting our unique cultural identities, one community at a time. Through the festival and our programs, we (remove unite sub tribes) spark collaboration across sectors,It's about Impact
To empower the society and the traditional custodians of our identity. From schools to health initiatives to data-driven community work, Kapkugo transforms,It's about Preservation
To gather and preserve data and indigenous knowledge, building a long-term resource center for future generations
Welcome to our in-depth look at the Kapkugo Festival — one of the most vibrant, unifying, and culturally rich celebrations of the Kalenjin community in Kenya.
This video captures the colours, sounds, rituals, dances, ceremonies, and heritage showcased during this historic festival held at the foothills of Mount Elgon, the symbolic ancestral home of all Kalenjin sub-tribes.
The Kapkugo Festival is more than an event — it is a cultural homecoming, a return to origin, and a celebration of unity. The name “Kapkugo” resonates deeply with the idea of “ancestral home” or “from our grandfather,” reminding the community of its roots, history, and shared identity.
In this video, you’ll witness:
🎭 Traditional Performances
Authentic Kalenjin songs and dances
Storytelling, chants, and ceremonial rhythms
Beautifully choreographed cultural displays representing different sub-tribes
👘 Traditional Attire & Craftsmanship
Unique beadwork, traditional garments, and symbolic outfits
Artisan displays showcasing skills passed down generations
Cultural ornaments and insignia that narrate the history of the people
🍛 Indigenous Cuisine
Tasting and preparation of traditional foods
Cooking demonstrations using age-old recipes
Insights into the significance of these dishes in ceremonies and rites
🔥 Cultural Rituals & Rites
Ancestral remembrance practices
Naming traditions, blessings, and inter-generational ceremonies
Elders sharing wisdom, history, migration stories, and origin narratives
🏃 Games, Sports & Social Activities
Traditional games and friendly competitions
Community bonding moments
Youth participation in showcasing and learning cultural practices
🏔️ Mount Elgon The Ancestral Symbol
The festival’s setting on the slopes of Mount Elgon is a powerful reminder of the community’s shared heritage. Many believe this region represents the original settlement point of the Kalenjin people — making the Kapkugo Festival not just an event, but a pilgrimage back to the source
🌍 Why the Kapkugo Festival Matters
The Kapkugo Festival plays a crucial role in:
Preserving cultural heritage at a timewhen customs risk disappearing
Uniting all Kalenjins