Introduction / History

The Kalenjins are a cluster of tribes centered in Kenya. They have nine subgroups based on language and clan lineage. One of these clans is Keiyo who live in the highlands near Eldoret. Because of their location, they are also known as the Highland Eldoret.

Kalenjin people speak Kiswahili and English in addition to their own language.

Their ancestors arrived from the Nile River centuries ago. Each of the nine groups were assigned land that had access to the banks of the Kerio River. They used boundary stones to mark the divisions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many have moved to live in towns and cities where they are involved in a variety of businesses. Kalenjins have more political power than most other Kenyan tribes. Those who remain in their ancient homeland work small farms and live on milk, grains such as sorghum, millet, and maize, blood, and meat from their cattle, goats, and sheep.

Like many groups in Africa, each male is part of an "age set." A woman is part of the age set of her husband. Each set is all those born within about an eight to ten-year span of time, such that a boy and his father must have one set between them.

Due to their high elevation, the Kalenjin tribes have a remarkably well-developed cardiovascular system. The famous runners from Kenya are disproportionately Kalenjin.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While most Keiyo Kalenjin identify as Christian, there are also a sizeable number who follow their traditional animist religion. They have a strong gospel witness, but they need a fresh work of God in their churches.

What Are Their Needs?

Keiyo Kalenjins can use more medical clinics and better access to hospitals. Better educational facilities could open doors for new careers.

Prayer Items

Pray for revival fire to bless every Kalenjin church and family.
Pray that soon Keiyo Kalenjin churches will be preparing and sending workers to the least-reached parts of Africa.
Pray for them to understand that the Lord can and will provide for all their spiritual and material needs when they put their trust in Him.
Pray for Keiyo Kalenjin husbands to love and respect their wives and always remain faithful to them.

Scripture Prayers for the Kalenjin, Keiyo in Kenya.

References

Anonymous.
https://www.govisitkenya.com/kalenjin-people.html
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/kalenjin.html