The Kipsigis People: Masters of Tea, Cows, and Unmatched Storytelling

By Catherine Olivia

If you ever find yourself in Kericho, the lush, rolling heartland of the Kipsigis people, prepare for two things: the best cup of tea you’ll ever have and a conversation that may start with the weather but somehow end with a wise proverb about cows.

The Kipsigis, a sub-group of the Kalenjin community in Kenya, are known for their deep love of livestock, legendary long-distance running, and their uncanny ability to turn any simple story into a moral lesson. “A cow’s horns do not grow in a day,” they might tell you, reminding you that patience is key—especially if you’re waiting for chapati at a family gathering.

Tea, Mursik, and the Strength of a Kipsigis Handshake
Speaking of gatherings, hospitality runs in their blood. If you visit a Kipsigis home, you’ll be offered tea—refusing it is almost a criminal offense. The tea culture here is so strong that even cows might be tempted to take a sip! As they say, “A home without tea is like a field without rain—dry and unwelcoming.”

But tea is just the warm-up. The real test of courage is Mursik—the famous fermented milk stored in a special gourd, mixed with charcoal for extra flavor. A Kipsigis elder might tell you, “If you drink Mursik, you will run faster and live longer.” If that were true, Kenyans would be immortal by now!

And then there’s the handshake—not just a greeting, but a test of endurance. A true Kipsigis handshake is firm, long, and can sometimes feel like an arm-wrestling match. If a Kipsigis elder grips your hand and holds it for more than ten seconds, congratulations! You’re now in a full conversation about cows, politics, or why young people don’t wake up early anymore.

Running, Proverbs, and Faith
Ever wondered why so many Olympic gold medals go to Kenyans? A Kipsigis elder might say, “If you chase a cow long enough, you either become a great runner or a hungry man.” And with all the hills in Kericho, running isn’t just sport—it’s survival.

But beyond tea, handshakes, and running, faith is central to Kipsigis life. You might hear a wise old man say, “Even a lost cow finds its way home, just as God always brings back His people.” Inspired by Luke 15:4, where Jesus says, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

So, whether it’s their wisdom, their tea, their love for Mursik, or their lightning-fast runners, the Kipsigis people know how to make an impression. Just remember, if a Kipsigis elder starts a story with “In the olden days…”—cancel your afternoon plans. It’s about to get interesting!