The Tugen are a Kalenjin sub-group primarily inhabiting Baringo County in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, with smaller populations in Nakuru and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Historically a smaller sub-group, numbering approximately 200,000 people, Kalenjin achieved disproportionate political prominence through Daniel arap Moi's presidency (1978,2002), when state patronage flowed to their region.
Geography and Terrain
The Tugen Hills (also known as the Kamasia Hills) form a dramatic faulted and wooded mountain range stretching roughly 50 kilometres from north to south through Baringo County. These hills rise from the floor of the Rift Valley, forming the escarpment that overlooks the basin of Lake Baringo. The landscape is characterized by scattered woodland and steep slopes, creating microclimates suited to mixed farming and pastoralism.
Lake Baringo itself lies to the east of the Tugen Hills. This freshwater lake (unusual in the arid Rift Valley) is fed by perennial rivers flowing from the Mau Hills and Tugen Hills. The lake has historically provided an essential water source for both the Tugen and neighboring pastoral communities. The lake's ecology supports hippos, Nile crocodiles, and more than 500 species of birds, making it a critical habitat for regional wildlife.
Political Ascendancy During the Moi Era
Daniel arap Moi (1924,) came from the Tugen and rose to prominence in the late colonial period. His selection as Vice President under Jomo Kenyatta and his subsequent succession to the presidency in 1978 transformed the Tugen's political status. During his 24 years in power, Moi directed significant state investment to Baringo, including infrastructure, education facilities, and patronage networks that benefited Tugen political elites.
This period saw the consolidation of a Tugen political aristocracy. Tugen individuals held prominent military, security, and administrative posts under Moi. However, this concentration of power also created resentment among other Kalenjin sub-groups who felt sidelined, particularly after Moi's introduction of multiparty democracy in 1991 fragmented Kalenjin political unity.
Relationship with Kalenjin
The Pokot inhabit the arid regions north and east of the Tugen Hills, particularly around Lake Baringo's northern shores. Both the Tugen and Pokot are part of the broader Kalenjin linguistic family, and they share cultural practices including age-set systems and pastoral traditions. However, their relationship has been marked by periodic conflict, particularly over water and pasture access during drought periods. The semi-arid environment creates resource scarcity that periodically triggers intercommunal tensions, though these are also rooted in historical clan rivalries.
Contemporary Status
Post-Moi Kenya has diminished the Tugen's political centrality, though they remain influential within Baringo County politics. The devolution system established in 2013 has created space for county-level governance that reflects local interests. Baringo County has seen competitive gubernatorial races between different political coalitions. The Tugen's smaller population size means they cannot dominate county politics alone, requiring alliances with other sub-groups and communities in the county.
Cross-Links
See Also
Kalenjin Hub | Kericho County | Nandi County | Baringo County | Uasin Gishu County