HIstoric Churches in Baringo
St. Swithin’s: The Little Church On The Hill
One of the smallest working churches in Baringo, and arguably the least known, St. Swithin’s Church, in close proximity to Eldama Ravine town, is a modern-day labour of love. It is blessed with an atmospheric beauty that is only enhanced by its bucolic surroundings. It was pioneered by the Tusen family, descendants of a post first-world war settler farmer in Kenya, who operated the Sabatia Farm.
The story began in mid 1950 when construction began, gradually taking shape, as all and one in the community lend their hand. Since the time of inception, up until its completion, in 1957, and for many years after, Ravine was an unpeopled village and the building of the Swithin Church was a momentous project. There being no English-speaking Anglican church in the then Baringo district, the Tusen set about constructing one, and its beauty has only been elevated by the passing of time.
The church has a wooden main door leading to the vestry beneath the side tower. On the wall behind is a wooden cross. A copy of the last supper hangs above the pulpit and at the back of the church is a list of vicars back to 1963.
While Baringo and its environs is rightfully known for its rich history and religious sites, the small, little-known Swithin’s Church is, perhaps, the most perfect for quiet contemplation. Sadly, small churches in small places face certain realities. Despite its great history, this small church is still less toured, even among locals.
It’s location near Eldama Ravine town, just off the Eldama Ravine-Mogotio Road, is quite unfamiliar to most travellers along the route. Beyond this reality is the present awareness of its fragility and frailty, which has taken over the wooded buildings that were present in the heydays. A restoration is highly warranted.
A history rich house within the compound was in a state of disrepair for many years. The house was formerly used as the D.C’s residence. Joseph Murumbi, son of a Goan clerk and Nandi girl and Kenya’s second vice president, was born there. The patina of time has also not been kind to the tombstones of the Tusen family.
You don’t have to be religious, or even spiritual, to enjoy a beautiful old church. The architecture, the stained glass, the history, and the famous graves all make visiting historic churches a fulfilling activity on any trip. Kenya has a lot of very old and lovely churches, and you can enter most of them free of charge, at any time.
Index of Historic Churches in Kenya
Baringo County - St. Swithin's Church, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Wewo Catholic Church, Homa Bay County - SDA Church Gendia, Asumbi Catholic Church, Isiolo County - St. Eusebius Cathedral, Kericho County - AIC Kericho, The Sacred Heart Cathedral, ACK Kericho, Kiambu County - St. Mary's of the Angels Church, All Saints Limuru, Watson Scott Memorial Church, PCEA Thogoto Mission Church, Kilifi County - Thomas Wakefield Memorial Methodist Church, The Portuguese Chapel, ACK Rabai Church, Kisumu County - St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Kitui County - AIC Ikutha, Lamu County - Lamu Catholic Church, Machakos County - AIC Mumbuni, Makueni County - AIC Kalamba, Kyale Catholic Church, Meru County - St. Joseph's Cathedral, Kaaga Methodist Church, Migori County - Komotobo Mission Church, Mombasa County - The ACK Mombasa Memorial Church, Holy Ghost Cathedral, ACK Emmanuel Church, Muranga County - Muranga St. James & All Martyrs Church, Tuthu Catholic Church, Nairobi County - St. Stephen Cathedral, St. Austins Cathedral, The All Saints Cathedral, Nakuru County - The Church of Goodwill Elementaita, Remembrance Church Njoro, Nyandarua County - Knessiah 7th Day Jewish Main Synagogue, Nyeri County - Tumu Tumu Hill Church, The Consolata Nyeri Cathedral, PCEA St Curthbert Church, Italian Memorial Church, Samburu County - Baragoi Catholic Mission, Siaya County - Rangala Catholic Church, Taita Taveta County - St. Marks Anglican Church, The Bura Mission Catholic Church, ACK Trinity Church Mahoo, Tana River County - Ngao Neukirchen Church, Hola Methodist Church, Tharaka Nithi County - PCEA Chogoria Church, Trans Nzoia County - St. Lukes Anglican Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Vihiga County - Kidundu Friends Church, Kima Church of God, African Divine Church, West Pokot County - The Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, The Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa
outlook
Touring Baringo County offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Many of its hidden gems, along Kenya’s Rift Valley, create unforgettable memories. Baringo County’s vast ecological gamut is a road-trip lover’s playground, birder’s haven and photographer’s paradise.
You Are Here: St. Swithin’s Church
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Near St. Swithin’s Church
A Guide to Baringo County
A Summa Digest of Baringo
About Baringo Way Back When
52 Destinations in Baringo County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mogotio Equator Crossing, Hotel Lomanira, Olduka Valley, Maji-Moto Hot Springs, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, Loboi Plains, Irong Community Conservancy, Chuine Community Conservancy, Laikipia Escarpment, Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, Lake Baringo National Reserve, Kerubo Swamp, Robert's Camp, Royal Doves Garden, Soi Safari Lodge, Teddy Bear Island, Samatian Island Lodge, Ruko Conservancy, Kaptuya Conservancy, Korosi Volcano, Kabarion Conservancy, Paka Volcano, Nakegere (Kapedo) Falls, Mount Silale, Korongoro Hotel, Lomechan Caves, Daraja ya Mungu, Kimalel Goat Auction, Tugen Hills, Katimok Forest, Kabarnet Museum, Kirandich Dam, Morop Hill, Kikojo Falls, Kimng’ochoch Conservancy, Morop-Tarambas Conservancy, Simot Falls, Releng Hot Springs, Kipsaraman Museum, Kolloa Monument, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Chebloch Gorge, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Metkei Ridge, Lembus Forest, Eldama Ravine, St. Swithin’s Church, Koibatek Forest Reserve, Chemususu Dam, Timboroa Railway Station.
Know More About Baringo County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Baringo County varies widely in altitude from 700 ms to 3000 ms. One of the prominent features in Baringo is the Kerio Valley, situated in the western and lowest region. Rising above the valley are the Tugen Hills.
Temperatures vary from region to region in, ranging from 22 to 35 degrees C. Due to its varied altitudes, the sub-counties in Baringo County receive different levels of rainfall.
