The Pokot people are mainly pastoralists and farmers. Most of them live in Kenya in West Pokot County and Baringo County, but they can also be found in the Karamoja region of Uganda. The Hill Pokot, who live by farming, form a separate group that grows maize and raises cattle, goats and sheep in the highlands north of Kitale, at the entrance to the Marich Pass. Other Pokot groups are chiefly pastoralists and their life revolves around breeding and tending livestock.

As is the case with many other tribes, these animals are extremely important and represent wealth; they are used for a number of purposes, such as “paying” the dowry for marriage. On rare occasions the people slaughter a cow, but only for special events, as the live animal is far more valuable to them.

In the past, these groups often clashed with the Turkana, Samburu and the Karamojong of Uganda, due to frequent cattle raids as well as trespassing in search of water and new pasturelands. In fact, cattle play a central role in the social training of young people. Following the initiation ceremony in order to enter society, which in the case of men is conducted when they are 15 to 20 years old, each Pokot takes the name of his favourite ox.

Pokot society is hierarchical and the elders are responsible for making decisions – both social and religious – for the entire tribe. These populations of farmers boast a significant craftsmanship tradition and produce not only pottery and metal objects, but also snuff boxes made from gourds and animal horns.