Terik minority group sets up cultural centre to share its history

Terik initiates emerge from Irumbi Wanalo Kamunono forest after undergoing circumcision rites in 2015. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Professionals and elders from the Terik minority community in Nandi and Vihiga counties have decided to establish a cultural centre to preserve their rich heritage.

After the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared the marginalised community to be facing extinction, academicians, including university dons and senior officials, banded together to ensure the Terik community takes its rightful place in society.

During the 2009 National Population Census, the Terik community was assigned a code - 617 - for the first time, allowing it to establish an identity as one of the country’s sub-tribes.

As part of the 2022 end-of-year activities, a group of elders from the Terik council and professionals held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Kapsengere location, Aldai, in Nandi county, where it was resolved that a cultural centre be established.

The professionals were led by Dr Peter Tum, Principal Secretary for Health, Professor Maritim Songok, director of the Kenya Medical Research Institute Graduate School, Prof Elijah Biamah, a member representing academia on the Nairobi River Commission, and John Bor, chairman of the Terik Council of Elders.

“We are establishing a cultural centre to preserve the community’s heritage for future generations,” Tum said. “The establishment of the centre will allow the younger generation to learn more about the community’s history and carry the flag into the future.”

Tum added that the centre will also play a pivotal role in helping the government focus on resource distribution.