The Pokot society is governed through a series of age-grades. Group membership is determined by the age at which one undergoes initiation. For young men this occurs between the ages of fifteen and twenty, while for young women it usually occurs around the age of twelve. After initiation, young people are allowed to marry and are permitted to begin participating in local economic activities. Young men and women form close bonds with members of their initiation groups. These bonds serve for future political ties. When a man or woman reaches old age among Pokot, they are given a level of status and respect. Elders responsibilities include presiding over important community decisions, festivals and religious ceremonies.
The Pokot are predominantly pastoralists. They practice polygamy, early girl marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM). This puts girls at a disadvantage as her value is based only on her potential bride price. In addition to gender based violence, the Pokot are known cattle rustlers and have in possession illegal firearms to carry out their raids. The government has tried through military operations to disarm the community but with little success or cooperation.