The honour was bestowed during the Kericho (Kipsigis) Peace Festival Ceremony on 15 July 2025, attended by dignitaries from Kenya, the UK, USA, Botswana, Zambia, faith leaders, and the wider community.
The festival, held at Kericho Primary School, celebrated a century of friendship between the Kipsigis and the Nishkam family and showcased local pupils’ talents in music, culture, and performance. The Kipsigis Council recalled the arrival of Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji in 1916 and the founding of Kericho Wagon Works in 1925 – pioneering ventures that brought not only economic livelihood but also a spirit of service, prayer, and empowerment.
Over the decades, these values have blossomed into a remarkable legacy. The Nishkam family established Africa’s largest Gurdwara in Kericho Town and the Nishkam Saint Puran Singh Institute, extending access to higher education.
Current community investments exceed KSh 462 million (£2.63m), benefitting thousands through:
- Education– schools, skills training, and higher learning.
- Feeding programmes– providing meals with dignity.
- Welfare & social support– especially for the vulnerable.
- Environmental care– conservation and sustainable living.
- Health services– new clinics and medical outreach.
Elder Richard K. Ngeno, Chair of the Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders, said: “We warmly welcome Baba Ji to the Land of the Kipsigis. You are one of us.
“We honour your spiritual leadership, your prayers for our people, and your enduring commitment to empowering communities. As Global Honorary Elder, we look forward to walking together to nurture peace, prosperity, and service to God and mankind.”
The Elders pledged continued collaboration with the Nishkam team in Kericho, led by Elder Jabbal Kiptoo and Projects Coordinator Jaswinder S. Jabbal, to safeguard these initiatives and ensure they deliver long-term benefit for children, youth, and the wider community. In their message, the Elders noted how Baba Ji’s own 30 years of residence in Kericho left a lasting impression, with his vision, prayers, and empowerment agenda remembered with gratitude.
They drew a direct line from Saint Baba Puran Singh Ji’s tireless service a century ago to today’s faith-inspired action, reminding all that seva is both heritage and living practice. Bhai Sahib Ji reflected on this legacy: “A century ago, Saint Baba Puran Singh Ji came to Kericho with nothing but faith and a spirit of service.
“His message remains urgent today: love is greater than fear, and forgiveness stronger than division. Let us carry that spirit forward in how we heal, educate, and serve.” The conferral of the Global Honorary Elder title is not only a mark of respect but a shared call to action: to strengthen peace, reconciliation, and community service in an age marked by division and uncertainty.
As one local elder put it: “The prayers, projects, and partnerships of the Nishkam family are not just history, they are hope for the future of Kericho and beyond.”
