Skip to main content
Kalenjin

Kalenjin

1 9.9
A person from a group of related communities in Kenya who share language and customs
  • proper noun
: kalenjin
  • For example, of the 18 generals in the Kenyan Army, one-third are Kalenjin, and the Kikuyu—who outnumber them two to one in the general population—have only four generals.
  • Kalenjin-dominated

Examples

  • During the marathon, many Kalenjin athletes demonstrated their impressive speed and endurance.

  • Many Kalenjin left Nairobi, or wished they could, fearing a Kikuyu and Luo reaction in Nairobi if Moi returned to power.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Amongst all the Kalenjin group that are running, there are those that can have a very low pain threshold.

  • But then, there is dominance on the Kalenjin group, particularly where long-distance running is concerned.

  • A similar pattern is found in lower ranks, where 7 of 20 brigadiers are Kalenjin.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The accession of Moi (a Kalenjin) drove Kenyatta's Kikuyu community into opposition, where they joined forces with most of the Luo community and their leaders.

    Academic text (1998)
  • John is proud to be a member of the Kalenjin, known for their exceptional long-distance runners.

  • The Kalenjin are famous for their rich cultural traditions and contributions to athletics in Kenya.

Surface Forms

Kalenjin main

Etymology

Kalenjin is the name the group gives to itself, so a Kalenjin is a person from that community in Kenya. A helpful way to remember it is to think of it like 'Kenyan' but for this specific ethnic group.