AbiriKenya

Historic Sites in Nandi

Kaptumo and Kipture Forts

The start of the 20th Century was a chapter of radical if not tremendous change for most regions in Kenya, many not envisaged by the foregoing generation. The laying of Kenya-Uganda Railway track had achieved an irreversible momentum, leaving in its wake many thriving towns like Voi, Nairobi and Nakuru, and ergo making access into the hinterland of Kenya easier for settling and development. Construction started at the port city of Mombasa in British East Africa in 1896 and finished at the railhead in Kisumu on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria in 1901.

The construction of roads to connect existing centres also increased trade and development especially at Port Florence (the present day Kisumu), Nairobi and many other major centres along the railway line. In 1906 an administrative base for Nandi was set up, at Kipture, later moved to Kaptumo and finally to Kapsabet – to handle the increased traffic from the new and administrative centre at Kisii, a new port was opened at Kongo (now Kendu Bay) in 1908. By the end of 1910, the main centres in North-Western Region of Kenya included: Kisumu and Kibos in Kisumu District; Yala River, Mumias and Kakamega in North Kavirondo District; Kapsabet and Kaptumo in Nandi District; Kericho in the one time Lumbwa District; and Homa Bay in South Kavirondo. The major hubs in North Rift and Lake Basin.

As this was going on, Kaptumo and Kipture Forts warranted their raising, to resist the adverse colonial rules. Both these native forts were key locations during the protracted Nandi resistance against British rule. Records indicate that the Nandi were defeated at Kaptumo and Tabolwa, leading to the formal acceptance of peace terms under the Treaty of Kipture. Today, these sites are recognized within Nandi County’s tourist circuit, listed alongside other destinations like the Nandi Escarpment, Kingwal Wetland, and various waterfalls like Diguna and Chemase.

---

Kenya is home to numerous historic sites that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, colonial history, and struggle for independence. These historic sites offer valuable insights into Kenya’s past and its diverse cultural heritage, making them essential destinations for visitors interested in her history.

Index of Historic Sites Around Kenya



Baringo County - Timboroa Railway Station, Bungoma County - Chetambe Fort, Kilifi County - Prince Henry the Navigator Monument, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Butwani Pier, Kwale County - Shimoni Ruins, Lamu County - Shela Mosque, Lamu Fort, German Post Office, Siyu Fort, Machakos County - Macmillan Castle Sabuk, Fort Machakos, Makueni County - Gurdwara Makindu Sahib, Patterson Ruins Tsavo, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Twin Baobab Trees, Giant Meru Oak, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Old Port, Sanaa Gallery, Leven House, Old Law Courts, Kengeleni Bell, Old Railway Station, Mbaraki Pillar, Fort St. Joseph, Kraph Monument, Fort Makupa, Arab Rifle's Monument, Mombasa's Tusks, Ras Serani Light, Mandera County - Fort El Wak, Nandi County - Kaptumo I Kipture Forts, Samiitui Aldai Historic Stone, Nyeri County - Old Ruling Court, Taita Taveta County - Kitchwa Tembo Hill, Salaita Hill, The Sniper Tree, Maktau Railway Station, Mwashoti Hill, Mwakitau Hill, Tana River County - Tana Delta Old Fort, Tharaka Nithi County - The Mutunguruni Tree, Wajir County - Wajir Fort, Ancient Orahey Wells, Orahey Bunkers, The Old Town Wajir

Historic Ruins along the Coast of Kenya - Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River & Lamu

---

outlook

Beyond athletics, famously known as the heartland of Kenyan long-distance running, Nandi County is a region of stunning highland scenery, rich agricultural land, and deep cultural heritage. The county is characterized by highland terrain, with altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 meters asl. Nandi Escarpment forms a dramatic western boundary, dropping down to the Kavirondo Gulf I Lake Victoria.

You Are Here: Kaptumo I Kipture Forts

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Kaptumo I Kipture Forts

A Guide to Nandi County



A Summa Digest of Nandi

About Nandi Way Back When

40 Destinations in Nandi County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Londiani-Koru Route, Nyando Escarpment, Bonjoge National Reserve, Nandi Rock, South Nandi Forest, Tindinyo Falls, Karebe Gold Mining, Nandi Scarp, North Nandi Forest, Tabolwa Rock, Kabiyet Shrine, Cheruiyot Ecosystem, Nandi Hills, Chepsangor Coffee, Koitalel Samoei Museum, Samiitui Aldai Stone Historic Site, Nandi Bears Club, Ketbarak Viewpoint, Kip’s Eco-Resort, Kapsimotwa Gardens, The Sheu Morobi Cliffs, Chemase Waterfalls, Mberere Holy Springs, Kopere Rocks, Songhor Prehistoric Site, Tinderet Forest, Diguna Waterfalls, Ngabunat Caves Falls, Kiplolok Springs, Kapsabet, Kaptumo and Kipture Forts, Eden Springs Hotel, Keben Springs, Kingwal Wetland I Sitatunga Conservancy, Chepkiit (Mlango) Falls, Kamulat (Ndalat) Hill, Kapchemuriet

Know More About Nandi County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

---