People
Who they are
The Nandi live in the highlands of western Kenya, mainly in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties, with some living in Kisumu county. They are one of the Kalenjin peoples and speak Nandi. Until the mid-nineteenth century, they were known as the Chemwal or Chemwalindet.
Most make their living from farming and raising cattle. The region is known for running champions such as Kipchoge Keino, Pamela Jelimo and Janet Chepkosgei, who are Nandi.
History and origin
According to Kalenjin tradition, the Nandi belonged to the same group as the Kipsigis in Rongai, near Nakuru. Drought and a Maasai invasion forced them to leave. The Kipsigis went to Kericho, while the Nandi settled in Aldai. This is an origin story told by the people themselves.
Koitalel arap Samoei, the orkoiyot, a religious leader with political influence, led resistance to the British for about twelve years. He was killed by a British soldier in October 1905.
Where they live
1
Country
1.3M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Kenya Partially reached
|
100%
|
1.283.000 |
How they live
The Nandi grow food for their families and raise livestock. Tea and wheat are grown for sale, and more and more people are turning to growing crops for the market.
Ugali, a stiff porridge made from maize, millet or sorghum flour, is served with leafy greens. Mursik is fermented milk stored in a special gourd called a sotet. It is served at cultural celebrations and running championships as a symbol of Nandi identity.
What they believe
Most Nandi have left traditional beliefs behind and are now Christians. The most common churches are the Africa Inland Church, Anglican, Catholic and Seventh-day Adventist churches. A small number have become Muslims.
In their former religion, the Nandi believed in Asis, associated with the sun, and prayed to him in the morning and afternoon.
Language and the Bible
The Bible in Nandi has a long history: the first portions were published in 1926, the New Testament in 1933 and the whole Bible in 1939. There is also a Kalenjin Bible from 1969, revised in 2017, for speakers of this group of closely related languages. The Jesus film is also available in Nandi.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Nandi
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)98%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
The Nandi ask for stronger churches and families firm in their faith, with husbands who love, respect and remain faithful to their wives. There is also a desire for Nandi churches to train and send Christian workers to the parts of Africa that have heard the least of the gospel.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Nandi families who grow food, tea and wheat and raise cattle.
Pray for families and churches to read and understand the Scriptures in Nandi.
Pray for revival in Nandi churches, including Anglican, Catholic and Evangelical churches.
Pray for love, respect and faithfulness in Nandi marriages.
Pray for Nandi Christians to be prepared to take the gospel to other peoples of Africa.
Pray for Kalenjin Nandi
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar