The Vast Plains of Uasin Gishu

It is Social Studies, Makau’s favorite class. Today he is making a presentation on Uasin Gishu County.

“Before it was called Uasin Gishu, its name was Illuwashinkishu, meaning an area for grazing. This county has four towns whose names have interesting stories which Makau will tell us.” Mueni says and I am feeling nervous.

“The towns are Eldoret, Burnt Forest, Moi’s Bridge and Turbo. Eldoret comes from the Maa word eldore which means Stone River because Of River Sosiani. Eldoret is also where Kenya Cooperative Creameries- one of Kenya’s largest dairy industries is. Burnt Forest-” I say and get cut off by the bell but we have a double lesson so I cannot celebrate.

The ringing bell gives me time to think and breathe as Mueni continues from where I had stopped.

“The burnt forest was an area originally known as Tarakwa that used to be a cedar forest but after getting burnt down in a fire outbreak in the 1930s,” Mueni says just as a strong wind blows. Mrs. Mwende shuts the door to prevent it from banging, we, however, hear doors from nearby classes banging. In a few minutes, it starts raining. 

Mrs. Mwende tells Mueni and I to proceed with our presentation and goes on to shut the windows so that we keep the rain out. 

“Makau, please continue and tell us about Moi’s Bridge,” says Mrs Mwende as she comes back to the front of the class.

“Moi’s Bridge was originally called Hoeys Bridge by a British settler who built it over the Nzoia River after the second world war so that he could move his cattle across,” I announce as I show the class some pictures of the town.

“But after independence, it was named Moi’s Bridge as well as the town,” Mueni adds.

“Turbo on the other hand is a small quiet town with a small population and a peaceful zone.” I continue.

“Eldoret, just like Rome wasn’t built in one day.” Mueni teases the class.

“The town started small in 1912 but grew day by day with the introduction of trade and financial services,” I say as I show the class a black-and-white image of Eldoret.

“Also, 1924 was pivotal to the blossoming of Eldoret town,” Mueni adds.

“Choo!”

“Choo!”

We laugh as we mimic the train.

“The railway is actually the one that eased the movement of goods and people in and out of Eldoret town,” I add.

“And we have something special to end this presentation with,” Mueni tells the class as the two of us smile.

“In one! Two! Three..!” Mueni and I count silently.

“Cattle! Cattle! Cattle!” We sing out as the rain suddenly comes to a stop and the class can now hear our voices more clearly.

“If you love milk, you will definitely love Uasin Gishu!” Mueni finishes the preparation just as the bell for lunch rings.

“Clap for them for that wonderful presentation despite the rain.” Mrs. Mwende says as she picks our presentation cards in readiness to release us for lunch.

Mueni and I rush out with the rest of the children while smiling from ear to ear.