Where We Work
We work in Elgeyo Marakwet (Elle-Gay-Oh Maa-Raa-Kwet) County in rural, western Kenya.
This is a very impoverished county, where over 50% of the population are living below the poverty line.
Most inhabitants are farmers who heavily depend on the weather. No rain means no food and no water.
The capital, Iten, is positioned right in the centre of the county and is where most of our work is based.
Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
FUN FACTS
Most inhabitants of this county are part of the Kalenjin tribe - the 3rd biggest tribe in Kenya.
The county is fondly referred to as the ‘County of Champions’ due to the large number of Kenyan world champions who originally come from here.
The capital, Iten, sits at about 2,400m above sea level and is the epicentre of athletics training in Kenya.
Many school students as young as 5-years-old run to school in the mornings (sometimes up to 10km each way).
The area's dramatic scenery is caused by steep mountains and hills, deep valleys and gorges, winding rivers, and sheer waterfalls. A short 20min drive from the top of the lush escarpment down into the dry Kerio Valley results in a temperature change of about 10-15°C!
Most inhabitants of this county are small-scale farmers, pastoralists, miners, or some of the world's very best athletes!