Population

2,458,123 (1989 census). Population includes 471,459 Kipsigis, 261,969 Nandi, 110,908 Keiyo, 130,249 Tugen (1980 Heine and Möhlig).

Region

Mainly Nandi, Kericho, and Uasin Gishu districts, Rift Valley Province.

Dialects

Nandi (Naandi, Cemual), Terik (Nyang'ori), Kipsigis (Kipsiikis, Kipsikis, Kipsikiis), Keiyo (Keyo, Elgeyo), South Tugen (Tuken), Cherangany. Lexical similarity 60% with Omotik, 50% with Datooga.

Classification

Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi

Language development

Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible: 1939-1969.

Comments

VSO. Agriculturalists: millet, maize, potatoes, beans, pumpkins, tobacco, bananas, tea, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, peas, fruit, coffee, pyrethrum; animal husbandry: cattle, goats, sheep, poultry. Keiyo: Christian, traditional religion; Kipsigis: Christian, traditional religion; Nandi: Christian, traditional religion.