Chepkorio
Administration in Chepkorio
In Chepkorio, administration heavily relies on the roles of chiefs, district officers, and district commissioners. Chiefs are key figures within the local community, responsible for maintaining law and order, resolving disputes, and representing the government at the grassroots level. They act as intermediaries between the government and the people, ensuring that government policies and directives are implemented effectively.
District officers and commissioners oversee larger administrative regions, providing support and guidance to chiefs and ensuring coordination between various government departments. They play a crucial role in decision-making, resource allocation, and overall governance within their respective districts.
Together, chiefs, district officers, and commissioners form a vital network of governance and administration in Chepkorio, working collaboratively to address the needs of the community and uphold the rule of law. Their collective efforts contribute to the smooth functioning of local government and the overall development of the region.
Chief William Kipchirchir - Pioneer Farmer , Politician , Entrepreneur
Early Colonial Administration in Chepkorio
The colonial administration that began from 1902 among the Keiyo had its first headquarters at Kamariny before relocating to Tambach. Up to about 1972, Tambach was the HQ to govern the Keiyo and the Marakwet
To prop up the colonial state, was a retinue of Headmen, Hut counters, Tax Collectors, Sub-Chief and Chiefs. Unfortunately, these individuals were regarded as men of little consequence, save for a few exceptions. Throughout its history, a number of chiefs were appointed to oversee the villages that had Chepkorio has its main trading centre and political meeting place.
In 1920 Chief Kiburer Kaptalai was singled out as being the best “who had made great efforts in persuading Elgeyo of the southern half to go out and work”; he was further described as the “best friend of government”
Another Chief was Cheptarus arap Lencha who won praise as being the best chief until 1934 when he was accused of collecting meager tax and failing to recruit labourers.
Elgeyo Native Council
On September 13, 1928, Chief Native Commissioner G.V. Maxwell, under the Native Local Authority Ordinance, appointed members to the Elgeyo Marakwet Local Native Council.
Nominated.
Elected.
Cheserem arap Kimoning.
Kimoige arap Cheptalam.
Kiburer arap Kaptalai.
Kirkolei arap Bartai.
Cheptorus arap Kimetgut.
Chepkurgat arap Chemusai.
Chepkonga arap Kimaswai.
Ayabei arap Chirchir.
Kokwa arap Chebor.
Kiyai arap Kimengich.
Toroitich arap Chemno.
Chepkiyen arap Chemuok.
Chelagat arap Kimereng.
Ruto arap Kirorio.
Chesang arap Chesaina.
Chiefs in Chepkorio
1920
Chief Kiburer Kiptalai
1934
Chief Cheptarus arap Lencha
Did you Know?
The Keiyo used to transport the Kiptaiyat (White Administrator) to attend Barazas (community meetings). Each location took turns carrying the baton, moving it from Tumeiyo to Marchor, and then from Marchor to Kaptargok.
In this process, Keiyek would ferry these officials from one point to another, where they would stay in their tents. This activity would bring the entire village to a standstill.
Keiyo Men Carrying a White Administrator across a River >>>
British colonial administrators relied on monthly or yearly safaris to collect taxes and assert governmental authority. Due to the lack of motorized transport, they employed human porters, often strong Kenyan men, to carry them. These porters were coerced through various means, including physical force and threats of repercussions. The administrators' mobility was thus facilitated by the labor of these individuals, who bore the burden of transporting them across long distances. This reliance on forced porterage demonstrates the unequal power dynamics inherent in colonial rule, where local populations were exploited to serve the interests of colonial overlords.