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Image by Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013Baringo County is located in mid-western Kenya. Its capital and largest town is Kabarnet. The county is named after Lake Bogoria. The former President of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi was born in Baringo County and currently lives there.
The County government of Baringo invited public input for county symbols in
accordance with the County Governments Act of 2012 during November 2013.
The symbols were selected following advertisements placed in the national media
inviting designs for the Baringo County.
The County Symbols Project is a culmination of a series of steps in the search
of symbols befitting of a progressive county such as ours. It started with
advertisement of the design of county symbols, a competition which was open to
Kenyan Designers of all persuasions. The winning designs were then chosen based
on set criteria and a marking scheme designed by consultants. New designs
based on concepts adopted from the winning competition entries and agreed
additions and modifications were then created by the County Symbols Committee
formed for the purpose of ensuring successful execution of this project under
the County Executive Committee.
Baringo County boasts of unmatched, varied and scenic physical beauty,
unrivalled mix of flora and fauna and boasts of a rich diversity of tribal
culture and traditions. Besides that, the County Symbols Project sought to
capture the essence of Baringo people, a friendly, hospitable community of
hardworking and peace loving people. (Adapted from this
source).
Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013
Description of the County flag
The Baringo County flag, like other flags, has colours which signify and
symbolizes various aspects of the area. The main county colours are Green,
Golden Yellow and Golden Brown (the significance of which is outlined in the
description of the County Arms). These occupy three-quarters of the county
flag in horizontal stripes. Green lies on top with Golden Yellow in the middle
and Golden Brown at the bottom. The three stripes are fimbriated by two thin
white stripes. White is the colour of peace which is a prerequisite for
meaningful progress. The people of Baringo have always cherished peace and
tranquility. In the middle of the flag is a light blue shield with white
spears, on the outside and a geyser in the middle. The shield and spears
symbolize the readiness of the people of Baringo to defend their county from
internal and external threats and perils. The geyser is a reigning symbol of
Baringo County’s potential as a worthy tourist destination.
Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013
Description of the County Arms
barc.jpg)
Image sent by Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013
The coat of arms of a government or governing body normally bears the colours and symbols synonymous with that entity. It is the corporate identity of that government / governing body.
The symbolism of the Baringo Arms is as follows:
THE SUPPORTERS
The Ostrich - is a bird resident in the county. The ostrich is famous because it is the world’s
largest bird. It cannot fly but can run up to 36 Kilometers per hour. Its
egg can weigh up to 1 Kilogram and its meat is a rare delicacy.
The Greater Kudu - this is unique antelope renown for its shyness and valued for its long
twisted horns traditionally used a percussion instrument. It is found in its
natural habitat at Lake Bogoria National Reserve.
The two species were
chosen by the County Symbols Committee as supporters because they are unique
Baringo.
SHIELD
The shield and spears are symbols of the readiness to defend the County to ensure peace and
security.
The three colours in the shield (Green, Golden Yellow & Golden Brown)
are the colours of the County and symbolize the following:
Green is the colour of the pristine environment which has been
conserved for generations.
Golden Yellow symbolizes the riches of the natural resources found within the
County.
Golden Brown symbolizes the rich arable soils and the agricultural potential of
Basingo.
The symbols superimposed on the shield are a map of the County and a geyser.
The map of Baringo County highlights the unique identity of the county, with the light blue
symbolising the various lakes, rivers dams, and other water bodies in the
county. The geyser
symbolizes Lake Bogoria, which is world renown for its hot springs, geysers and
natural gas jets, It also symbol symbolizes the potential of the natural
gas deposits in Tiaty and elsewhere within the County.
BASE
On the base are silhouettes of Mt. Silale (Tiaty), Mt. Morop (Central Tugen
Hills) and Koibatek Hill (Southern Tugen Hills). These are unique
geographical features of the county.
The traditional head rest is a unique cultural artifact traditionally used when reclining to rest
under the shade to avoid the intensive midday tropical sun. It also serves
as a stool for the elders. Also featured on the base is a
traditional milk gourd.
Baringo County is a predominantly pastoralist and nomadic county with milk
being a staple diet amongst its inhabitants. The gourd enjoys pride of place in local
culture.
SCROLL
A scroll beneath the shield is inscribed with the County name. (Adapted from
this
source).
Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013
Description of the County Seal
The Baringo County seal bears the name of the county adorned with beaded
typefaces. Beads remain at the heart of the local traditional attires of all
Baringo ommunities. In between the inscription of “BARINGO COUNTY
GOVERNMENT” are pictures of three worker bees symbolizing the fact that the
county is the origin of the world’s finest pure natural honey. This also
the entrepreneurial spirit necessary for productivity and development.
The most unique feature of the county is the geyser at Lake Bogoria. Tourism is
the most important source of revenue due to the hot springs and geysers at Lake
Bogoria. (Adapted from this
source).
Jens Pattke, 21 Dec 2013