What would you like to search for?

Our News

A home for nature, a home for culture as Marakwet gets boma in Bomas

"Conservation of nature is intricately linked to the diverse cultural practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities whose livelihoods rely entirely on natural resources," says Dr. Yussuf Wato, Manager of Biodiversity, Research, and Innovation at WWF-Kenya.

The Marakwet community has etched its mark in history at the Bomas of Kenya by unveiling a traditional homestead, making it the 24th community to do so. This achievement celebrates the interwoven tapestry of cultural preservation and environmental conservation, underscoring the deep connection between the Marakwet people and the natural world.

A map showing the other tribes that have traditional homesteads in Bomas of Kenya. ©Joel Muinde/WWF-Kenya

For centuries, the Marakwet community has lived in harmony with their environment, a bond deeply rooted in their cultural practices and traditions. Their homestead at Bomas is more than a physical structure. It is a representation of their unique way of life, where natural resources and cultural identity are inseparable.

The Marakwet people's traditional ecological knowledge is passed down through storytelling, proverbs, rites of passage, and taboos. For instance, their clans are named after wildlife, such as the Kimoi clan named after the buffalo and the Terik clan named after the elephant. This intimate connection means harming these animals is akin to harming members of the community—a practice that fosters respect and protection for wildlife.

As Kikie Kendagor, a member of the Marakwet Cultural Festival planning committee, explains, 

"Our clans are named after wildlife, and our children are named after seasons. This connection to nature is deeply ingrained in our culture."

Song and dance as Marakwet Cultural Festival 2024 planning committee members get support from WWF-Kenya to raise awareness for nature conservation. ©Joel Muinde/WWF-Kenya

The role of the Cherangany Hills in conservation

The Marakwet land lies between key ecological zones: the Cherangany Hills Forest, the Kerio Valley Escarpment, and the riverine ecosystems. The Cherangany Hills are one of Kenya’s five major water towers, providing critical headwaters for the Nzoia, Turkwel, and Kerio Rivers. These ecosystems sustain local biodiversity and are vital for regional water security.

Historically, the Marakwet community has relied on traditional practices to preserve these landscapes. They observe taboos against cutting medicinal plants or harming certain species and use rituals tied to natural resources, such as initiation ceremonies conducted in forests or water sources.

However, climate change poses significant challenges. As Kikie notes, the community has witnessed the decline of bird species used in initiation ceremonies and the disappearance of indigenous plant species. These changes disrupt cultural traditions and highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The cultural festival: A platform for heritage and advocacy

In 2024, WWF-Kenya supported the Marakwet Cultural Festival as part of its "Voices for Diversity" initiative. The festival aims to celebrate Marakwet heritage while amplifying their voices in environmental conservation.

"Conservation of nature is intricately linked to the diverse cultural practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities whose livelihoods rely entirely on natural resources," says Dr. Yussuf Wato, Manager of Biodiversity, Research, and Innovation at WWF-Kenya.

The festival will provide a platform for sharing Marakwet traditions, such as their proverbs, folk tales, and sustainable practices, with a broader audience. It will also highlight the critical role Indigenous Peoples play in shaping policies to address environmental challenges.

Part of the cultural festival included showcasing the rich cuisine of the Marakwet people. ©Joel Muinde/WWF-Kenya

A living legacy

The Marakwet homestead at the Bomas of Kenya is a testament to the resilience of the Marakwet people and their enduring bond with nature. Through initiatives like the cultural festival, the community is not only preserving its heritage but also advocating for the sustainable management of the ecosystems they hold dear.

As Hon. Jane Chebaibai, Chairperson of Bomas of Kenya, aptly put it, “Those who abandon their culture are slaves.” The Marakwet community’s efforts ensure that their rich traditions remain a source of identity, pride, and inspiration for generations to come.

“Culture is part of a larger system. It is our way of living, our way of environmental conservation. It is about raising awareness about rights-based conservation and a connection to the wider Kenyan society. Our commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities is driven by our deep respect for their critical role in environmental stewardship and our dedication to a human rights-based approach to conservation,” said Christine Cherop –Marakwet Cultural Festival Director.

 

Christine added, “Conservation is woven into our culture. The Marakwet community is the latest tribe in Kenya to get a traditional homestead built in the Bomas of Kenya. It is a boma for culture, a boma for nature.”

By celebrating and sharing their heritage, the Marakwet people remind us all that cultural preservation and nature conservation are two sides of the same coin. If we lose our environment, we lose our culture—and with it, the wisdom and practices that sustain both humanity and the natural world.

Bomas of Kenya
© Joel Muinde/WWF-Kenya
Members of the planning committee for the Marakwet Cultural Festival 2024 at the Bomas of Kenya.