Scenic Elgeyo Marakwet

It is a cold morning, the school bus has picked up all the students and is now on the road to school. The children are wearing jackets, scarves, and heavy socks to keep warm.

Achieng and Kambua are seated next to each other.

“Look at that man running in the cold!” Achieng points out.

“He must be preparing for the marathon, I am sure his body is hot from the running,” Kambua says, wrapping her scarf tighter around her neck.

“Maybe he is from Iten, a town in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where there is a training centre for marathoners. “Kambua says, tracing a house with her finger on the misty window.

“Do any famous athletes come from Iten?” Achieng asks.

“Yes, the greats: David Rudisha, Lornah Kiplagat, and Wilson Kipsang” Kirui responds, overhearing their conversation.

Kirui then asks, “Did you know shoe4africa, the largest women-only race in Kenya is hosted in Elgeyo Marakwet County?

“I have heard of it, doesn’t it attract several donors and celebrities?”Kambua asks.

“Yes, it does,” Achieng answers.

“You know, Elgeyo Marakwet is not only known for athletes, there are some great sceneries like Torok waterfalls, Chebloch gorge, and the stunning Kerio valley’” Kirui says as the bus approaches the school gate.  

“That’s right and don’t forget the Rimoi National Park, or you can hike up the Sergoit Hills” Kambua adds. 

“I don’t like hiking, I would rather paraglide at the stunning Kerio valley ” Achieng says.

We can paraglide in our country? says a  stupefied Kambua.

“Yes. Most aerial photos are taken by paragliders” Achieng confirms. 

As they linger outside having alighted the bus, the teacher on duty approaches them.

“Hey! Kirui and your team, can you run to class like the Kenyans that you are?” He calls out. “Movement is By Running!” He emphasizes as the kids scamper their way to class.