Fishing and Farming with the Njemps
Learn about the economic activities of this community from Lake Baringa
Njemps warrior by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
Meet the Njemps
Living near Lake Baringa, the Njemps have long practiced farming and fishing. They keep small herds of cattle, goats and sheep and gather honey from large tree trunks. Men traditionally also engaged in hunting game to supplement their diet, but hunting is illegal in Kenya today.
Canoe (1971-02)National Museums of Kenya
Fishing in Lake Baringo
This fishing canoe (Kaldich) was made by men from ambach wood and tied together using wild sisal (Rapai). Men would sit on the light pieces of ambach wood and use two wooden paddles to move the canoe on Lake Baringo, where they fished.
Hand paddleNational Museums of Kenya
These are canoe paddles made from kaemai wood. They were made by men and used for paddling ambach canoes while fishing on Lake Baringo.
Digging WoodNational Museums of Kenya
Farming and irrigation
This wooden hoe was used for digging by the Njemps, who practice farming along Lake Baringo. Since part of the area is usually dry and has unreliable rainfall, the Njemps use irrigation to stimulate crop growth.
Honey BarrelNational Museums of Kenya
Honey gathering
This traditional wooden barrel with cowhide and twisted fiber straps was used for storing honey. Men harvested honey and put it into the container. Honey was then carried home for use in other various activities like making beer or eating.
ClubNational Museums of Kenya
Hunting
In the past, Njemps men also hunted game animals for meat. This club (eng'udi), made from salabani wood, was carved by a Moran or an older man using a panga and a penknife. It would have been thrown at animals' legs to put them down.
