The Annual Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair is a significant event in Baringo County. It combines livestock trading with cultural festivities.
Baringo County, located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, has a diverse range of economic activities, with agriculture, particularly livestock keeping, playing a central role.
This year’s annual event was themed “Utamaduni wetu, mifugo yetu,utajiri wetu” Swahili translates to “our culture, our livestock, our wealth.
The first day featured Kaldich boat racing at Lake Baringo freshwater lake and a night extravaganza.
The final day was the Kimalel goat auction was presided over by the president of Kenya, among other guests who joined in to get a taste of the Baringo nyama choma, entertainment and buy goats for their families for Christmas festivities.
The auction took place at Koriema, a trading Centre on Kabarnet Marigat Road.
Baringo goat meat is known for its taste, which is attributed to goats that feed on natural grass and shrubs. Sometimes, they get licks from natural salt within the savanna land.
History and Purpose
In 1986, former President Daniel Arap Moi started an auction. It aimed to boost Baringo’s economy and improve residents’ lives by selling goats.
Baringo County is the second largest producer of goat means in Kenya, therefore making the Kimalel goat auction a well-thought-out event in Kenya.
Following devolution’s introduction, the event is better organised, involving chiefs and assistant chiefs who help select the best goats from farmers for the auction.
The Kimalel goat auction has historically attracted prominent personalities who outdo each other in buying the goats.
In 2023, the president and his then deputy bought 1000 goats at the auction at kshs 15 million. Sometimes, it takes less than 30 minutes for all the goats to be purchased at the auction.
Theme and Goals of the Kimalel Goat Auction
The 2023 event’s theme of the Kimalel goat auction was “Harmony and Heritage,” which celebrates unity and diversity. The auction is an economic platform. It also promotes peace and cultural integration among Baringo’s communities.
The 2024 event was themed on our culture, livestock, and wealth. Baringo is predominantly an agricultural region where goats contribute significantly to household income, estimated to make up to 60% of revenue in some areas.
The county’s scenic beauty, including Lake Baringo and various cultural sites, supports tourism.
Economic Impact of Kimalel Goat Auction to the Local Community
The Kimalel goat auction has raised millions of shillings, benefiting local farmers. When it was temporarily halted, it had raised over Sh50 million by selling thousands of goats, sheep, and cows.
By facilitating the sale of goats sourced from local farmers, the Kimalel goat auction directly supports the agricultural sector and enhances the financial stability of households dependent on livestock farming. This is crucial for improving living standards in the area.
Key Features of the Event
The Kimalel Goat Auction
The auction involves selling thousands of goats, with prices in recent years ranging from Sh12,000 ($96) to Sh15,000 ($120) per goat.
In 2023, over 3,000 goats were sold, generating more than Sh40 million. High-profile figures, like the President and Deputy President, have often participated.
In 2024, the sitting president Dr. William Ruto presided over the auction and sold 5000 goats generating around Ksh 65 million.
Cultural Fair
Beyond the Kimalel goat auction, the event includes various cultural activities:
Traditional Boat Racing (“Kaldich”) on Lake Baringo
The Kimalel goat auction includes traditional boat racing as a prominent feature of its cultural celebrations.
Specifically, The event showcases a traditional boat race known as Kaldich on Lake Baringo, which takes place on the first day of the Kimalel goat auction.
The Kaldich boat race serves as entertainment and reflects the local communities’ traditional practices and communal spirit.
The race involves various participants from different communities in Baringo, fostering unity and collaboration among them.
The recently concluded Kaldich boat race at Lake Baringo saw the Loruk-Chesiran beach group dominate all categories, winning in both the men’s and women’s divisions for those under 35 and over 35.
Additionally, the races featured engine boats with 15 and 25 horsepower, which were claimed by Lake Baringo beach and Kiserian, respectively.
Traditional Performances
Various cultural performances by local groups showcase traditional music and dance, highlighting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the participating communities.
Cultural exhibitions from diverse communities showcase their heritage. It showcases performances from various ethnic groups, including the Tugen, Pokot, and Ilchamus tribes. This cultural exchange enriches the experience for attendees and promotes local heritage.
Cultural Exhibitions
On the first day, visitors enjoyed exhibitions that display traditional crafts, attire, and artifacts, providing insight into the local customs and practices.
Youth Extravaganza
The event included a youth evening bash featuring entertainment and activities to engage younger generations in cultural appreciation.
Culinary Experiences
Attendees enjoyed local delicacies such as mbuzi choma (grilled goat), which adds a gastronomic element to the cultural experience.
Recent Developments
The 2024 auction launched an online platform for goat sales. This online platform allows consumers to buy Baringo goats year-round. This initiative aims to sustain demand and ensure a steady income for farmers.
The infrastructure is part of the long sustainable steps taken to ensure that Baringo County and its farmers account for over 60% of the population within the county.
Challenges Faced by Farmers and Event Planners
Political and Payment Issues
Political interference and payment delays have threatened the auction’s viability. In 2020, unpaid dues from previous auctions caused concern among farmers.
Pandemic Impact
The event was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19. It resumed in 2022 with health-compliant adjustments.
Conclusion
The Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair is more than a market. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and economic empowerment.
It now includes modern elements, like digital sales platforms. Its purpose is to uplift Baringo’s residents through agriculture and cultural pride.
As it grows in popularity and significance, it remains vital to Kenya’s agricultural and cultural landscape.
Joining these events allows you to enjoy cultural music, dance and stories. Besides buying goats from the community, you also enjoy interactive aspects of the festivals that will enable you to connect more with the community.
Your presence and support for this event is invaluable. You can share your thoughts and insight on the cultural events and partner with Chepchieng and Company Advocates to protect such cultural fairs. Should you require more information, do not hesitate to contact us at info@chepchiengassociates.co.ke
