Elgeyo Marakwet
The Escarpment
“The path along the escarpment is narrow, and yet it holds a nation.”
The escarpment county of Keiyo and Marakwet, from Iten to the Kerio floor.
- Capital
- Iten
- Region
- Elgeyo Escarpment and Kerio Valley
- Altitude
- 1,000 to 2,900 metres
- Economy
- Athletics, livestock, honey, horticulture
- Keiyo
- Marakwet
Iten · Kapsowar · Kapyego · Tot · Chepkorio · Tambach
Elgeyo Marakwet is the escarpment county, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Kenya. Iten sits high above the Kerio, and from there the road winds down through Tambach to the valley floor where the Marakwet keep their ancient furrow irrigation.
This is the world capital of long distance running. Iten's camps have produced Olympic and world champions in unbroken succession, and the county carries a quiet pride in that inheritance.
Foundation work in the county concentrates on the Keiyo and Marakwet councils of elders, on the athletics schools of Iten, and on the recovery of the historic furrow systems of the Marakwet valley.
Athletics and schools
Mentorship and library support for the training camps and secondary schools of Iten and Kapsowar.
Furrow irrigation
Support for the customary furrow committees of the Marakwet valley.
Peace along the valley
Elder council work on the Kerio border with Pokot neighbours.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Liaison (placeholder)
Regional Coordinator, The Escarpment
info@kalenjin.foundation
If you live or work in Elgeyo Marakwet and would like to be involved, please write to us and mention the county in your subject line.