Chepo Laleiyo Festival Celebrates Peace, Culture and Education in Tiaty
By Samson Kurgat | NAIROBI,
Thousands of residents, cultural leaders and senior government officials gathered at Kongasis Teachers Training College in Tiaty Constituency, Baringo County, yesterday for the second edition of the annual Chepo Laleiyo Cultural Festival, where speakers hailed peace, education and cultural preservation as the foundation for the region’s transformation.
Held under the theme “Culture and Education: Pillars of a Peaceful Society,” the festival showcased the rich traditions of the Pokot, Tugen and Ilchamus communities through traditional dances, songs and cultural exhibitions. Once known for insecurity and cattle rustling, Tiaty is increasingly being recognised for its growing stability, with leaders saying lasting peace has opened the door for development and expanded access to education.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who was the chief guest, urged parents to prioritise education while preserving positive cultural values. He described education as the greatest equaliser, saying communities can celebrate their heritage without embracing harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriages, which continue to deny many children—especially girls—the opportunity to complete their education.
The event, hosted by Tiaty MP William Kamket, also highlighted the progress of the ongoing construction of Kongasis Teachers Training College, which leaders said will increase access to teacher training and strengthen education in the region. Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo said the Government remains committed to preserving Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage while using culture as a vehicle for social cohesion, economic empowerment and national development.
Community leaders noted that Tiaty has historically recorded some of the country’s highest illiteracy levels due to decades of insecurity and inadequate educational infrastructure. They said cultural forums such as Chepo Laleiyo provide an opportunity to sensitise residents on the importance of taking children to school while preserving traditions that promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
One of the festival’s highlights was the observance of the Pokot cultural tradition of Kirket, where elders gather to share roasted meat and deliberate on community matters. Organisers said the annual festival has become more than a cultural celebration, serving as a platform to unite communities, strengthen social cohesion and inspire a new generation to embrace education as Tiaty continues its journey from conflict to sustainable development.
