Decades ago the Maasai named the area that we know now as county 031, the treeless plain, or more eloquently in Maa – Laikipia. The county continues to live up to that name to a large extent. However, it has lots of wheat, maize, carrots, peas, potatoes and flowers. Yup—flowers! Laikipia has become the newest supply point for a booming flower industry. Due to its climate, the heads of the roses and other blooms grow sturdier and much larger than other parts of Kenya and, as a result, Laikipia flowers are in high demand in the European markets of Amsterdam and the Middle Eastern markets in Dammam, Riyadh and Dubai, making a huge impact on the economy of the county.
County 031 happens to be home for the Kenya Air Force as well, with the treeless plain providing a perfect air and landing zone for our fighter jets. Hanging about Nanyuki don’t be alarmed by the high pitched sounds dropping from the air from time to time; it’s only the inhabitants of the Nanyuki Air base doing their thing!
Speaking of Nanyuki, as one approaches the vibrant town on the A2 did you know there is an opportunity to check out the Coriolis Effect at the equator? Essentially, the earth’s rotation causes water to drain in a clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere and the anti-clockwise in the South. This fascinates both adults and children alike and is a very simple physics lesson on the effects of earth’s rotation on objects on the ground. The demo barely takes 20 minutes and you’ll all have ‘something to tweet home about’ once you are settled at your destination in Laikipia.
As for destinations – there’s lots to see and do in this vibrant county. One can visit the Thomson Falls in the southwest just outside Nyahururu and get up close and personal by walking down into the ravine. The falls are fed by the Ewaso Narok River, a tributary of the Ewaso Nyiro that rises in the Aberdare ranges. Nyahururu, with its cool climate, is a short drive away from Rumuruti, Marmanet, Shamanek and Lariat Forests. From there one can take the well-tarmacked road east to get to the county headquarters in Nanyuki.
Along the way, stop over at Ol Pejeta conservancy to see the Rhino sanctuary.. There are only two living northern white rhinoceroses known of, and all of them are at Ol Pejeta, guarded round the clock from poachers. Hard to imagine the end of a sub species, yet this small collection of animals reminds us of our collective vulnerability on the shared planet we all call Mother Earth.
The treeless plain indeed holds many gems to fascinate over.
