Happy TravellerWelcome to Machakos, also known as Masaku, a vibrant town located 63 km southeast of Nairobi in Kenya. As the capital of Machakos County, Machakos is a rapidly growing city with a population of 150,041 as of 2009 and Machakos County had a population of 1,421,932 as of 2019. The town is surrounded by hilly terrain, with a high number of family farms, and is home to the Akamba ethnic group. Machakos has a rich history, having been established in 1887 by Sakshi Shah, ten years before Nairobi. It was the first administrative center for the British colony, and the capital was moved to Nairobi in 1899 when Machakos was bypassed by the Uganda Railway that was under construction. Technically, Machakos is the oldest administrative municipality in East and Central Africa. Prominent politicians from the town include Mwatu wa Ngoma, Paul Joseph Ngei, Mutisya Mulu, and Jonstone Muthama. The town and county were named after Masaku wa Munyati, a Kamba chief who arrived in the area in 1816 from the area around Sultan Hamud.
Machakos is a bustling town with a thriving economy, mining, transport, and tourism industry. The open-air markets in Machakos sell a variety of products, with major market days being Monday and Friday. The Mavoko area of Machakos houses major cement mining sites and factories. Machakos has a number of banks such as Barclays, Equity, National Bank, NIC Bank, Credit Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Standard Chartered, K-rep, Co-operative, and Kenya Commercial in the CBD and the Universal traders sacco. It has the larger administrative offices in lower Ukambani. Machakos town has good road infrastructure and town planning. It has a well-planned bus terminal at the heart of the town popularly known as the Machakos Airport. It’s a busy place where buses and matatus depart for Machakos and Kitui as well as Western Kenya, Nyanza, and the Rift Valley.
Machakos is also known for its hilly scenery, which is perfect for camping and hiking. It is the home town of some of the world’s most beautiful sculptures made in Wamunyu. Kaloleni near Ngelani is famous for water flowing against gravity. It is on Kituluni Hill, a spot known as Kya Mwilu to the east of Machakos. As the slogan of Machakos County goes, it is The Place to be.
One of the must-visit attractions in Machakos is the Machakos Peoples Park, a modern recreation park situated adjacent to Maruba dam, which is the main source of water to Machakos Town. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Machakos is also a hub for culture and sports. Major sports grounds include the Machakos Golf Club, which is spread over a large lush area including a 9-hole golf course. There is also Kenyatta Stadium, which is adjacent to the Machakos Social Hall and is the home ground to Sofapaka FC. It is a busy stadium, being used in many of Kenya Premier League (KPL)s schedules and Internal matches. The stadium, which was renovated to modern standards, is set to be renamed to Kalonzo Musyoka Stadium.
When it comes to dining and entertainment, Machakos has a lot to offer. Gelian Hotel is the biggest in the town, but one can get breakfast or lunch at T-Tot hotel or a drink at either Ikuuni, Bulls, Buddies, Club Wizard, Hornbill, Club Legend, or New Boma. Other hotels and guest houses are Lysak Haven Park, Shanbad house, or Le Technish. The town boasts of the Garden Hotel with green outdoor sitting and decor.
Education is also a major part of Machakos, with a variety of primary and high schools, as well as tertiary institutions. Primary schools in Machakos include Machakos Primary, St. Marys Boys and Girls, Muthini Primary, Township Muslim Primary School, St. Teresas Primary, Machakos Academy, ABC Girls Academy, One Hill Academy Premese Academy, Lukenya Academy, Makutano Academy, Mumbuni Primary, Baptist Primary, Highrise School Mks, and Katoloni. High schools include Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary (Popase), Machakos Girls, Machakos School, St. Monica, St. Valentine Girls, Mumbuni High School Kitulu day secondary school, and Katoloni among others. Tertiary education is still growing, with new universities and colleges like Machakos University, Machakos Teachers Training College, Machakos Institute of Technology, Copperbelt College, Century Park College, Lukenya University, African Training Centre for Research and Technology, Scott Christian University, and Computers for School Kenya. The most advanced and oldest college remains the Kenya Medical Training College Machakos Campus. Prominent students from KMTC Machakos include John Mutuku Kivunga HSC, who is now a renowned clinical officer in Kenya.
In conclusion, Machakos is a hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, this vibrant town has a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering local cuisine, and a thriving economy. Whether you’re interested in culture, sports, education, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Machakos has something for everyone. Come and discover why Machakos is The Place to be!
