Naming is an important rite of passage in the Kalenjin community.
When a Kalenjin child was born, a naming ceremony was conducted. During this ceremony, parents would take into consideration some reasons before naming a child.
Here are five considerations before naming a Kalenjin child;
Season
The Dry seasons and rainy seasons have different names. During the dry seasons, the name "kipkemei" is given. The name means the child was born during the dry season of the year. However, during the rainy season, the name "kiprop" is given. The name means the child was born when there was sufficient amount of rainfall.
Place of birth
When a child was born in a certain place, then he/she is named after that particular place. Names such as kipketer, which means that the child was born just at the doorstep. Also "kipsang" is given to the child when he /she is born outside the house.
Time of the day
During the day, names such as kibet are given. During the night names such as kipkemboi are given.
Type of events
Events in Kalenjin would signify a name if the child was born in that period. Such names include kipng'etich which signifies that the child was born during the cattle herding season.
Ancestral calling
If one has a similarity with the ancestor, he or she is named after them. The exact name is given to the child.
After all these considerations the name child is given. The naming considerations are still common in the Kalenjins up to date.