The Kipsigis Identity and History in the Trans-Mara District in Kenya, 1940s – 2013

Iddy R. Magoti

Abstract


This paper examines the emergence of the Kipsigis ethnic group and their ensuing ethnic identity in Trans-Mara District in Kenya. It relies on secondary, archival and oral sources collected in Kenya and Tanzania between October 2012 and December 2013. Based on those sources, the paper shows that the Kipsigis who are sometimes called the ‘Lumbwa’ are part of a large group of people called the Kelenjin which have been in Kenya for more than seven centuries. It further shows that the Kipsigis have stayed in Trans-Mara District for less than seven centuries; they have actually been there for about seventy-five years only. The paper argues that the emergence of Kipsigis ethnic group and identity is a result of the influence of both the colonial and post-colonial states as well as the politics that have been taking place in the area. The Kipsigis identity and consciousness manifested itself in political violence and division of the Trans-Mara District into two ethnically based districts: East for the Kipsigis and West for the Maasai. The paper concludes that ethnic identity, consciousness and sentiments are increasing tremendously in Trans-Mara as is the case in other parts of Kenya. This state of affairs threatens the unity of Kenya as a nation.

Keywords: Kenya, Kipsigis, Maasai, identity, Trans-Mara District

Iddy R. Magoti, Lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam; Email: iramagoti@yahoo.com 


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