Sema chai…. our most widely-consumed drink after water. This is the product most affiliated with Kericho County. Honestly, there’s something great about having that brewed majani in your favourite mug as you put your feet up to relax after a long day. For these little pleasures, we definitely owe much gratitude to counties such as 035, responsible for the endless manufacture of our ever-present tea bags. Among the world’s largest tea industries are Unilever Kenya, Ketepa, Williamson Tea and James Finlay – all of which are located in this county. The lush green highlands of Kericho provide a decent climate for the growth of tea and we don’t foresee a slowdown in this production any time soon!
035 has more to offer than an endless provision of stimulants. For starters, we have the Chegaik Arboretum that sits amidst one of the county’s tea plantations – a peaceful zone should you need a few moments with nature, or better still a picnic as you soak up the wild. You can slowly sip your chai as you get lost in your thoughts amidst the magnificent green scenery.
Then there’s the Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary for the wildlife lovers, home to the most welcoming primates in our land. If you’re daring enough, perhaps you could take a selfie with them – we’re certain they are accustomed to posing for photos by now!
For our historians, the Fort Ternan Museum is said to be the home of humankind and gives you a chance to explore the fossils curated by Kenyan paleoanthropologist and archaeologist Louis Leakey. There is never a dull moment at this historic fort with discoveries from over 12 million years ago such as the famous Kenyapithecus. And that’s not all—for those that have a penchant for swinging golf clubs, the Kericho Golf Club has a 9-hole course and offers accommodation suitable for a weekend away.
Last but not least, we find the Chebulu Forest in Sigowet, one of our few remaining indigenous forests with trees as old as 400 years. The forest accommodates several bird species among wildlife such as snakes and baboons. The forest is source to River Chebulu that acts as a water source for the residents within its environs. It’s important to note that the forests in Kericho – such as Chebulu and the famous Mau Forest are facing serious threat due to endless deforestation. We aren’t ready to give up yet as a trip to county 35 gives you an opportunity to plant a few seedlings and leave your mark – just be sure to make time every now and then to check up on your tree.
