Heritage Sites in Elgeyo Marakwet
The Legendary Marakwet Furrow Irrigation
The Marakwet Furrows, also known as the Marakwet Terraces Irrigation Scheme, are a remarkable traditional irrigation system found in the north region of Elgeyo Marakwet County. The ancient Marakwet Furrows, undoubtedly the most intricate native farming scheme in Kenya, are an ingenious engineering feat created by the Marakwet people. These furrows divert water from streams and springs to irrigate fields, enabling agriculture in areas with limited rainfall and challenging terrain.
Thought to be over 500 years old and spanning over 40 km with over 91 central canals totaling 350 km, the Marakwet Furrow Scheme channels the waters from Embobut, Embolot, Ennoui Rivers and several other runlets rising in Cherangani Hills through the furrow scheme – built using trunks, wood and bricks lain on top of each other and with the support of mortar and leaves – down into the droughty Kerio Valley, which is more than 1,500 metres below. Irrigation occurs along more than 40 kilometres of Elgeyo Escarpment from south of Arror north to Tot.
It is a tricky operation to take water out of the rivers down the escarpment, through headworks, dams and sluices into kilometre upon kilometre of canals, carefully levelled and embanked along the escarpment face and utilising. Where necessary, only basic materials made of hollow tree trunks and shelves supported by wooden scaffolding along almost vertical cliffs, to reach the valley and to irrigate the fields, are used. Remarkably, these ancient canals continues to grow and since the 1980’s no less than 30 new canal ways have been constructed.
The Marakwet Furrows are often accompanied by terraced fields, which are carefully constructed on the steep slopes of the hills and Elgeyo Escarpment. The terraces help to prevent soil erosion, retain moisture, and maximize arable land for cultivation. Into the bargain, this extraordinary local achievement of guiding water down the direfully steep Elgeyo Escarpment has been achieved without a centralized political body, or even a dominant class overseeing its planning, or elaborate perpetuation organization. It operates on non bureaucratic principals.
The construction and maintenance of the Marakwet Furrows rely on traditional knowledge and communal labor passed down through many generations. The Marakwet people have developed sophisticated techniques for managing water flow, maintaining the furrows, and optimizing agricultural productivity in the challenging landscape. As they stand today, the Marakwet Furrows are a symbol of the cultural heritage and ingenuity of the Marakwet people. They reflect the close relationship between the community and their environment, as well as their resilience in adapting to and thriving in a harsh, rugged, and unique landscape.
The Marakwet Furrows have attracted attention from researchers, travellers, and conservationists interested in their cultural, historical, and ecological significance. They entire system is an outstanding example of indigenous engineering and agricultural practices that have sustained communities in the Marakwet region for centuries. As a national heritage, they represent a living cultural landscape and continue to play a vital role in the livelihoods and identity of the Marakwet people.
Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites are locations that a country has proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites undergo a rigorous evaluation process by UNESCO’s Committee to assess their cultural, natural, or mixed significance. Countries propose these sites to gain international recognition and protection, promoting their value for preservation for future generations.
Index of Sites in UNESCO Tentative List
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Marakwet Irrigation Furrows, Homa Bay County - Mfangano & Rusinga Islands, Kajiado County - Olorgesailie Prehistoric Museum, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest National Reserve, Kilifi County - The Historic Town of Gedi, Kilifi Caves (Panga ya Saidi, Chasimba, Mawe Meru), Kwale County - The Eastern Arc Coastal Forest, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Reserve, Meru County - Meru Conservation Area, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Nakuru County - Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park, Narok County - Masai Mara Ecosystem, Nyeri County - Aberdare National Park, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo National Parks, Tana River County - Tana Delta Complex
Related Pages: The 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya
outlook
Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
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Explore Destinations Near Marakwet Irrigation Furrows
A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet
About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When
44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 ms asl., on the Cherangani Hills, to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies greatly with altitude, between 18oC – 26oC average maximum.
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.