Machakos: A town of hills, legend and firsts
The Makutano-Mwala-Kithimani Road in Machakos County, which is quickly growing. PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI |
What you need to know:
- This is where the British first set camp.
- The town’s residents have a peculiar way of naming places.
Any first-time visitor to Machakos Town will be fascinated by its scenic, green but hilly terrain.
The town’s residents have a peculiar way of naming places, and so Machakos originates from the legendary warrior, Masaku.
The Iveti Hills on the eastern side of the town stretch to the north, as far as the eye can see. And on a clear morning, the canopy at the top appears to touch the sky.
It’s on the slopes of these hills where the revered Kamba prophetess, Syokimau, foretold the coming of the White Man, travelling in bowels of birds and speaking like birds.
In the evening, the western hills cast long shadows on the plains at the periphery of the town.
Beyond the western horizon was believed to be the land of the unknown. Folklore has it that it was where the aimu or ghosts lived.
The town, which is regarded as the headquarters of Ukambani, is also one of many firsts. It is here that the British established their first administrative capital in Kenya. That was in 1887, 10 years before they moved to Nairobi.
Therefore, the town that is about 60km from the city, is as old as Kenya.
At its periphery, where the road to Kitui takes a bend, is Machakos Girls High School.
At this institution, renowned Ugandan literature professor Austin Bukenya was received with open arms during his exile days. His family knew this town as home for years.
In recent times, the media have been abuzz with stories of everything good about Machakos. The air is pregnant with talk of a new modern city. New roads are constructed in record time. A park has been put up on a land previously barren — all in the name of maendeleo chap chap (quick development).
The town is becoming an investment hub, mainly due to its security, thanks to the county government’s initiatives.
Equity Bank, Barclays Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, Cooperative Bank among others are also supporting the growth of this town.
The hospitality industry is expanding at a rate unseen before, with Gelian Hotels being the newest in town.
Machakos also hosts several learning institutions, including Machakos University, Scott Theological College, Machakos Girls High School, Machakos Boys High School, Mumbuni Boys (where I spent my first two years of high school ) and several tertiary colleges.
Tourist attraction sites include Kyamwilu, a 10-minute drive from the town. Here, water defies the laws of gravity. When poured on slanted ground, it flows upwards.
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