"Think green, think future" is the guiding motto of Morop Tarambas Community Conservancy, an initiative devoted to protecting, restoring, and enhancing environmental sustainability through biodiversity and eco-tourism enterprises. Founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2010, the conservancy spans 21 hectares. It serves as a sanctuary for 3,500 homes and 377 registered members in the Morop sub-location, directly benefitting a population of 15,000 in Ewalel, Baringo Central. The conservancy's governance structure comprises a nine-member elected board and two ex-officio members, adhering to the 2/3 gender rule.
The name "Morop" carries profound historical and cultural significance. According to ancient theological stories passed down from forefathers, Morop was synonymous with rain. Elders would climb the hill which seats at an elevation of the 2332 height above sea level to a sacred spot called "Kabarbarma," meaning "to make fire," where they would offer finger millet and a traditional brew known as "Muratina" in prayer. As clouds gathered over the hill, it signaled that their prayers had been answered, and rain was imminent.
The first clan to settle in Morop was the Kaplumbei, followed by the Kapsirikwa, among the fourteen clans now residing in the area. Morop Hill, a natural and sacred formation, holds deep spiritual significance. When the first missionary, Fr. Michael Brennen, arrived, he and his team made a cross at Kituro and carried it to Morop Hill on August 15, 1959, and erected it there. This cross remains a crucial pilgrimage site for Catholic Christians, who ascend the hill for prayers every Good Friday, tracing the Way of the Cross. The hill is also a prayer place for churches and individuals who need to seek God’s face and intervention.
Local lore, as narrated by elder Paul Koros, tells of a family named "Kaptuotui" who once lived near the sacred hill. One night, amidst a heavy downpour, the family vanished, leaving only a fireplace behind as evidence of their existence. The sole surviving daughter, who was away that night, still lives in Ravine. This mysterious event has rendered Morop Hill a cherished and carefully protected site within the community for it connects a history told up to date.
The area surrounding Morop Hill is reputed to yield male children of exceptional intelligence, believed to be influenced by the pristine natural habitat. The fertile soils, rich in minerals, are ideal for animal husbandry, while the hill itself boasts an abundance of local medicinal plants, making it a hub for eco-therapy.
Morop Hill is also a natural campsite, offering breathtaking views that stretch as far as Eldama Ravine, Kapendo (100 km away), Churo, and Samburu. Visitors can witness stunning vistas with binoculars, including Mount Kenya’s Batian Cliff, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Solai, and Lake 94 at sunrise.
Wildlife thrives in Morop Tarambas Community Conservancy, home to velvet monkeys, colobus monkeys, honey badgers, mongooses, rock hyraxes, antelopes, hares, and numerous small animals. The area is also a haven for butterflies and various bird species. The conservancy is dotted with caves at Tarambas Hills and Kikocho Water, inviting visitors to embark on adventurous explorations.
The conservancy engages in several income-generating initiatives, including tree nursery establishments, beekeeping, and tourism fishing at Kirandich Dam, where visitors can enjoy sport fishing. The conservancy’s beadwork group, comprising 12 experts, operates under the motto "beads bring peace" and preserves leadership culture through Rungu beading and other beauty necklaces and bangles and also traditional beaded clothing for musicians across Kenya. They are offering nature adventures in well-built cottages nestled in natural surroundings. After the adventure, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture at the campsite's cultural house.
Morop Tarambas Conservancy has hosted numerous events supporting its conservation efforts. In 2014, the conservancy partnered with universities to plant indigenous trees in Baringo, such as Ugandan green, red cedar, acacia tortillas, sandalwood, desert date, and croton, among many other varieties. During the exercise, 3,000 indigenous tree seedlings were planted on conservancy hills and catchment areas, an effort launched by the Chief Conservation of Forests.
The Conservancy also supports various groups engaged in tree nurseries, cultivating fruit trees like avocados, papayas, and macadamias for value addition.
Visit Morop Tarambas Community Conservancy and immerse yourself in its unique conservation efforts, preserving biodiversity, environment, historical sites, flora, and fauna. Engage with the skilled women beaders, and hear Mzee Paul Koros share captivating stories about the rich history of Morop.
