TUGEN HILLS FOREST

Tugen Hills rise over 2300 ms, running in the middle of Baringo County with a north to south strike and flanked by the walls of the Great Rift Valley – Elgeyo Escarpment (west) and the Laikipia Escarpment (east). Tugen Hills are mainly forested, with most of the trees are indigenous plant species. Its two main forest sections are Kinyo Forest Reserve and Morop-Tarambas Forest Reserve. Tugen hills are significant water catchment areas for Lake Baringo and Kerio Valley. The major tribe in the area, the Tugen, also known as the Kamasia Tribe, hold in high esteem the landscape of Tugen Hills – which is the most distinguished cultural asset in Baringo. The lesser tribes – Njemps and Pokots – also show a kindred deference for Tugen Hills. One peculiarity of Kabarnet Town, which is located on the eastern flank of the Tugen Hills, are the steep gulleys that march down to meet the expansive Kerio Valley. These are best seen near the Ainamoj Village, en-route Kerio and Iten. The isolated outcrop at Kimngochoch, stands higher that most areas. The Tugen Hills landscape has various sights of interest.