Kalenjin, Terik in Kenya

People Name:	Kalenjin, Terik
Country:	Kenya
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	120,000
World Population:	120,000
Primary Language:	Terik
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	80.00 %
Evangelicals:	4.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Nilotic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Terik people originated in the Mount Elgon region and later moved southerly to where they live today west of the Nandi people to whom they are related. In the old days they used to fight the Nandi raiding them for cattle, territory and would steal their women. Today, though, they are close friends and in many ways they have assimilated with the Nandi people.

The distinction of the Terik has been strengthened nowadays through teaching of the Terik language in schools and radio programs in Terik as well as other measures. They do not have Scripture in their language, however.

The Terik are one of the Kalenjin peoples who also live in Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. They constitute nearly 15 percent of the Kenyan population. The famous runners from Kenya are disproportionately Kalenjin.

The people speak KiSwahili and English in addition to Terik.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While most Terik identify as Christian, there are also a sizeable number who follow their traditional animist religion.