Cultural Centers in Bomet
Kaplelach Cultural Centre: A Kipsigis Shrine
Much of a likeness in its foundation of purpose with Kipisigis Oasis Sanctuary and Culture, Kaplelach Cultural Centre at Kapkimolwo is a lens into the traditions and rituals of the Kipsigis community. This is, of course, home to the famous Kaplelach cultural group dancers, whose international footprints, performing in multiple high level forums, has earned this bucolic backcountry village an appreciable repute.
Kaplelach Cultural Centre is situated on the opposite side of Mulot town, and like its opposite number is found along the border with Narok County. While the mission of both centres is to promote the Kipsigis traditions, it is in recognition that Bomet is a multi-ethnic county that promotes diversity and inclusivity. By the same token, understanding the heritage of the Kipsigis people, and their relation with other communities, lends valuable insights into Kenya’s cultural tapestry.
The past events of Kaplelach, considered together, have been a subject of interest for the history buff. The name Kaplelach is used to refer to the brave and fierce age-set generation, born between 1844 and 1860, that gutsily fought the colonial officers. It was retired in 1896, and the age-set that took over was Kipnyigei, born from 1860-1876, and initiated to warriorhood from 1892-1908. Taking over from where the Kaplelach left it off in the battle arena, they would rewrite history.
Inspired by the Kaplelach, the Kipnyigei age-set went on to cause much trouble, not envisaged by the colonial administration, engaging the forces for a longer period. They were led by one of Kenya’s greatest legends, Koitalel arap Samoei. Thanks to superior tactics and weapons, the colonial officers won the battles of the well documented Nandi revolts. As such, the subsequent age-set, the Nyongi, did not resist, but were instead recruited to fight for Britain in the first world war.
As we now know, the Kipsigis community are a sub-group of the Kalenjin people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. Their native lingua is Kipsigis, a heavily tonal language, although English and Swahili are also widely spoken especially in urban areas. Historically, the Kipsigis people practiced traditional African religions that revolved around the worship of a supreme being simply known as Asis. They also revered ancestors and natural phenomena like mountains, rivers and forests
From Narok town it is 68 km to Kaplelach Cultural Centre. You drive out for 60 km from Narok town via B3 Kaplong-Narok-Bomet Road to the small transit town of Mulot. From the turnoff it is just 8 km to to the centre, found nearby St. Benedict Kapkimolwo Secondary School. From the turnoff, the road is paved all the way, and makes for an enjoyable ride through the quiet, verdant and scenic country.
That Kenya has a rich cultural diversity needs no introduction. It is an invaluable blessing to the nation. To foster an understanding of this heritage, there are cultural centers around Kenya that provide insights into the tapestry of cultures and traditions in their regions. These centers preserve and celebrate traditional practices and customs amidst the shift towards modernization and globalization.
Index of Cultural Centres in Kenya
Baringo County - Mogotio Equator Center, Bomet County - Kipsigis Oasis Sanctuary Culture, Kaplelach Cultural Centre, Busia County - Kakapel Cultural Centre, Garissa County - Garissa Cultural Centre, Isiolo County - Gotu Cultural Centre, Malka Cultural Centre, Kakamega County - The Nabongo Mumia Centre, Kericho County - Kipsigis Cultural Museum, Kiambu County - Gikuyu Cultural Museum, Kirinyaga County - Thingira Cultural Centre, Lamu County - Swahili House Centre, Mosque College Lamu, House of Habib Swaleh, Machakos County - The Syokimau Cultural Centre, Makueni County - Makueni Cultural Center, Meru County - Murithi Mpuri Cultural Centre, Thiiri Centre, Mombasa County - Swahili Cultural Centre, Little Theatre Club, Bombolulu Cultural Centre, Ngomongo Villages, Muranga County - Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga, Nairobi County - Bomas of Kenya, Kenya Cultural Centre, The Goethe Institut, Alliance Française, Nakuru County - Bomas of Nakuru, Nandi County - Cheruiyot Ecosystem, Nyamira County - Otenyo Cultural Centre, Samburu County - Umoja Women Village, Tana River County - Tana Delta Cultural Center, Tharaka Nithi County - Ura Gate Meru
Touring Bomet County offers a chance to explore the lush landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural attractions of Kenya’s Rift Valley region. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or adventure, Bomet offers a diverse range of attractions and activities to explore. It is also a jumping-off place to Masai Mara.
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Explore Destinations Near Kaplelach Cultural Centre
A Guide to Bomet County
A Summa Digest of Bomet
About Bomet Way Back When
20 Destinations in Bomet County, arranged as one would visit these - east, north, south then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kipsigis Oasis Sanctuary and Culture, Chepalungu Forest, Nogirwet Irrigation Scheme, Chebara Irrigation Scheme, Kaplelach Cultural Centre, Masese Nyangores Ecotourism, Nyangores River, Masai Mara National Reserve, Fair Hills Hotel, Sahara Gardens Hotel, The Willis Hotel, Tenwek Falls, Motigo Hill, Kipsegon Ecosystem, Tirgaga Tea Factory, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest, Iria Maina Falls, Changoi Tea Factory
Know More About Bomet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Rainfall is evenly distributed in Bomet, except for the short dryer season in January and February. Temperature levels range from 16oC to 24oC with the coldest months between February and April; and July.
Bomet has an undulating topography that gives way to a flatter terrain in the south. The overall slope is towards the south, except the north eastern region – which rises eastwards towards the 3,000 ms Mau Mountain Complex.