People
Who they are
The Tugen live mainly in Baringo and parts of Nakuru, Kenya. They are one of the Kalenjin groups, closely related to peoples such as the Nandi, Pokot and Keiyo, and speak the Tugen language. Their oral traditions describe migrations from different directions, including areas near Lake Turkana.
Traditional social organization brought people together in age groups called ibindo. Each group linked members of the same generation, and the community council, called kokwet, was an important forum for local political decisions.
Where they live
1
Country
221K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Kenya Partially reached
|
100%
|
217.000 |
How they live
Most Tugen live by subsistence farming, growing maize and wheat, or by raising cattle, goats and sheep. In the past, women used hoes with iron blades made by a blacksmith and wooden handles. Men carved wooden bowls from which families ate together, passing food from hand to hand.
What they believe
Most Tugen are Christians. Traditional religion spoke of Asis, the god identified with the sun, as well as other gods, such as the god of the harvest. A 2019 report says that biblical texts in Tugen are used in worship services, at weddings and in Bible studies in homes. Before that, the Gospel of Luke had already been printed in Tugen.
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.
Tugen
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)90%
Evangelicals5%
Needs
Tugen livestock herders in Baringo depend on rainfall to plan animal care and planting. With increasingly unpredictable weather, timely weather forecasts help with this planning. A translation project running from 2019 to 2021 planned to translate the book of Ruth and parts of the New Testament into Tugen, with the passages chosen by local leaders.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Tugen families who grow crops and raise animals in Baringo, and for their readiness to cope with irregular rainfall.
Pray for the work with Scripture in Tugen and for people to understand it in worship services and home Bible studies.
Pray that Tugen Christians will grow in their trust in Jesus.
Pray for Tugen church leaders to be equipped to teach the Bible in the language of their communities.
Pray that Tugen families will be strengthened in their faith through studying the gospel.
Pray for Kalenjin Tugen
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar