Kalenjin

About
Kipsigis is a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin people, which belongs to Nilotic ethnic group of Kenya. Their first language is Kipsigis, which belongs to the Nilo-Saharan language family. The traditional occupation of the Kipsigis is herding and they mostly occupies the southern part of rift valley, Kericho, Bomet and Narok county.
Kipsigis ceremonies is normally marked with Mursik drinking. This symbolizes the importance of the ceremony.

On the right side is a marriage ceremony being marked with Mursik drinking.

CULTURE

Kipsigis have a tradition of humility, endurance of hardship, strong emotional expression, loyalty, courage hospitality and courtesy. The culture of the kipsigis people are known to be unique in its own way with some careful procedural on how each and every event is to be done. Here I will focus on the Kipsigis custom; marriage.
Traditionally, marriage is an important custom in Kipsigis society. It involves some stages that one (men) have to follow so as to show that he is ready to start a family. These include identifying the lady, approaching the parents or the elders, the two families meeting and the day of the ceremony being planned.

Fig.1 An ideal Kipsigis lady.

Fig.2 The marriage process might take
long or short time depending on the
activeness of the man.

Fig.3 An elder listening to his son.

Fig.4 The village elders then
discuss about the intention of the son.

Fig.5 The two families now meet to
discuss.

Fig.6 The dowry price is agreed upon.

KIPSIGIS