Institutions of the Nandi Orkoiyot and Age Set Systems and their Role in Colonial Resistance in Kenya

From the time immemorial, the Nandi community affairs were run through the council of elders in consultation with the seers or prophets. The Nandi community had features of territorial independence and sovereignty as well. However, there is little literature explaining the Nandi traditional security systems before independence. The study attempted to fill the existing gap by investigating the structure and importance of the institution of the Orkoiyot and the age-set system. The study adopted two types of sampling methods, namely the purposive and snowballing. The theoretical framework employed in the study included the structural functionalist theory and social conflict theory. Data collection instruments used in the study included document analysis guide, question guide and focus group discussion guide. The study employed both primary and secondary sources of information. The former was acquired from the archives as well as from oral interviews while the latter was sourced from books and journal articles in several libraries. Since the study was historical, data analysis and presentation was done qualitatively. The study established that Nandi community affairs were run through the council of elders in consultation with the seers or prophets. The coming of the British interfered with their political freedom and traditional security systems. Fifty years of British colonial rule overshadowed the Nandi traditional security systems and political freedom yet the traditional security institutions were crucial for the sustainability of the society. The study recommends further research on the role of traditional security systems as a mechanism of resolving modern conflict and in maintaining social cohesion.