Raised in Eldama Ravine in Kenya's Rift Valley Province, he began running while studying at Timboroa High School (an institution also attended by Kenyan international medallist Daniel Kipchirchir Komen).
Some of the localities include Cherengany, Kapcherop, Sabwani, Sirende, Wehoya, Moi's Bridge, Hyrax Hill, Lanet, Deloraine (Rongai), Tambach, Moiben, Soy, Turbo, Ainabkoi, Timboroa, Kabyoyon, Namgoi and Chemangel (Sotik).