In 1896 the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway began in Mombasa. By the time it reached what would one day become Nairobi it had passed through Mtito Andei, Emali, Kibwezi, Masongaleni, Kima, Kiu and Konza. Each point along the line grew; some blossoming more than others. There was Sultan Hamud, too, a town named for the Sultan of Zanzibar Hamoud bin Mohammed who came to view the progress of the line in 1899. The marshalling yard he inspected, towards the western border of Makueni County, was named after him. In many ways the towns of county 017 have the Kenya-Uganda Railway to thank for their existence.
Another gift of the railway was the Makindu Sikh Temple. Built in 1926, it is an open sanctuary that’s a rest stop for travellers of all faiths seeking time out on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Sikhs first came to Kenya as workers on the railway and, as the line extended, the community grew. During the construction of the railway a small area in Makindu became a gathering spot for many Sikhs. Fast-forward two decades and the scene was commemorated through the construction of a temple. Even now it provides travellers with free food in the langar and housing for up to two days at no cost.
Makueni County has both history and beauty – a drive to the scenic Chyulu Hills National Park provides an opportunity to spend time in rolling hills, completely in tune with nature. For those unafraid of enclosed spaces the caves of Chyulu Hills are a spelunker’s dream – Mathaioni, Leviathan Lava Tube and Sheitan. Want to see an actual stalagmite? Head to county 017 and go deep!
Today Makueni has a vision of becoming a game-changer – its county logo is made up of mangoes and skyscrapers! Mangoes have been part of the agricultural makeup of Makueni for years. The county set up a major processing plant to focus on the value addition aspect of the fruit market, bringing in new jobs and opportunities. Next step will likely be the skyscrapers in Wote, Kibwezi or Mtito Andei!
Our featured photographer is Grace Wangui Muhoro – a landscape, wildlife and travel photographer based in Kenya. Her hobby? Travelling! What better way to enjoy her adventures than by capturing moments? Grace is an advocate for #TembeaKenya, a movement aimed at promoting tourism in Kenya. You can find more from this avid traveller on her website www.graciaphotography.com or on her Facebook page – Gracia Photography