About Us

Tugen Culture

Tugen culture is the traditional way of life of the Tugen people, a Southern Nilotic subgroup of the Kalenjin living mainly in Baringo and parts of Nakuru counties in Kenya. Key pillars of Tugen culture include pastoralism and farming, an age-set social system (ibinwek), and vibrant annual celebrations like the Tugenin Cultural Festival.

Tugenin Culture exists to preserve and promote this heritage — bringing communities together every year at the Tugenin Cultural Festival, held December 26th at the Oinobmoi Cultural Center near Chebloch Gorge, Baringo Central, Baringo County.

Social Structure & Traditions

How the community organises itself

Age-Sets — Traditional life centers around an age-set system known as ibinwek, which helps organise community roles and responsibilities.
Marriage — Marriage is highly respected; traditionally, a woman does not belong to a formal age-set until she gets married.
Livelihood — The community relies on cattle, goats, and sheep herding alongside crop farming in the hills and valleys of Baringo.

Festivals & Heritage

Keeping the culture alive

Annual Event — the community celebrates its heritage at the Tugenin Cultural Festival, held every December 26th at the Oinobmoi Cultural Center near Chebloch Gorge.

Music & Dance — traditional folk songs, competitive dancing, and displays of local artistry are central to preserving historical identity and fostering peace with neighbours.

Communities from across the region — including Marakwet, Pokot, Tugen, Keiyo, and other neighbouring tribes — take part in the festival's performances and celebrations each year.

13

Years since Establishment

12

of 13 Annual Festivals held

12

Communities who attend

5,000+

Attendance annually

Our Founder

Kiberur Tomno

Tugenin Culture exists today because one person believed the Tugen community's heritage was worth organising, celebrating, and passing on. We're grateful to our founder, Kiberur Tomno, for the vision and years of work that built the Tugenin Cultural Festival into what it is today — a gathering that brings thousands together each December to celebrate, and to keep the peace, across Kerio Valley's communities.

Our mission is peace among ourselves

Tugenin Cultural Festival fosters peace and unity, particularly among historically warring communities in Kerio Valley, by embracing and preserving cultural identity. Marakwet, Pokot, Tugen, Keiyo, and other neighbouring communities all take part.

Join the Tugenin Family