Imani Workshop: Eldoret, Kenya

Created by a woman from Kenya who is HIV Positive, the Imani Workshop helps provide an income to others who are in the same situation. The Imani Workshop is a fair trade business that relinquishes 100 percent of its profits back to those who are employed by the workshop and make the handmade goods. Some of the resources used to make the products include mother clay, cow bone/horn, recycled paper and other materials that are indigenous to the area. While at the workshop, we toured the facility, getting a view of the people making these crafts. The gift shop is located on site, allowing visitors to purchase the goods that they have seen made in the workshop. The Imani Workshop sells an abundance of items ranging from jewelry to picture frames, even selling kitchenware! 

Nandi Tea Estate & Kapsimotwo Gardens: Nandi Hills, Kenya

Driving into the town of Nandi Hills, we were greeted by rolling hills blanketed with the vibrant green color of the tea plants. Our first stop in Nandi Hills was very relaxing, as we enjoyed an afternoon at Kapsimotwo Gardens. These gardens contained multiple types of flowers, trees, and plants. Monkey’s that call the gardens home roam freely around the grounds, circling the laborers hard at work in the fields picking tea. Kapsimotwo Gardens is not well known by visitors, but the establishment hopes to branch out and attract tourists. The location is perfect for weddings or outdoor events.

While in Nandi Hills, we also visited saw the manufacturing side of the tea process at the Nandi Hills Tea Factory. They offer tours to guests, leading visitors around the factory explaining the happenings at each stage of the tea manufacturing process. Our tour guide was very informative, explaining the nine different varieties of tea and the differences between each. He even offered to let us participate in the tea tasting process. It was interesting to see such an important cash crop to the Kenyan society.

Keiyo Women Group: Cheptarit Village in Keiyo, Kenya

Although the lack of signage, bumpy roads and rough terrain may have been deceiving, we were greeted by a singing group of Keiyo women to make the trip worth our while. Learning about the various customs this group of tribes have was very enlightening and educational. Some examples of these were learning about the differences in homesteads, marriage dowry, housing upkeep, and traditional wardrobe significance. With each song and dance being performed for a difference purpose, we were able to experience first-hand a cultural tradition. Not receiving nearly as many visitors as they would like, spirits were high and enthusiastic for the future.

Ushanga Woman Group: Mutei Village in Iten, Kenya

Authenticity is something that the tourism industry values highly. We believe the Ushanga Woman Group to be just that… authentic! Hand-made crafts such as clothing, belts, beaded jewelry, decorative gourds and clubs, scarves and blankets were the majority of the offerings we witnessed. It was great to get a first hand encounter with the ladies of this community who have such a great passion for making things that signify true African culture, and speak with them on the tricks of the trade!

 

Kapenguria Museum: Kapenguria, Kenya

Kapenguria Museum gives a detailed history of how Kenya gained independence from Great Britain in 1963. The museum is the place where the leaders of Moa-Moa, the Kenyan’s independence movement, were jailed in the 1950s. Six individuals were identified as active members and leaders in the movement and were jailed and tried in the town. They became known as the Kapenguria Six, freedom fighters for Kenya and the fathers of independence. The trial was unfair, as witnesses were bribed to provide false testimonies. The Kapenguria Six were found guilty, and moved to a prison camp in the northern part of Kenya for seven years of hard labor. Their struggles and commitment to Kenyan independence is etched in the hearts of all Kenyans.

The Pokot Gallery and the Cherangani Gallery held interesting artifacts from history and provided details on traditional Kenyan lifestyles. Men and women wardrobe, weapons, tools for hunting and food preparation, were some of the artifacts featured. The Pokot Gallery was lined with detailed images of the tribe. There were also descriptions of the cultural traditions including initiation and circumcision.

Kitale Conservancy: Kitale, Kenya

Kitale Conservancy is definitely the most unique tourist attraction that we have visited thus far. At the time that we visited, the conservancy was still undergoing a lot of renovations, but the plans sound promising to provide a more complete tourist draw. A tour guide led us around to view the park’s over 400 indigenous trees, small selection of birds, recently constructed man-made caves, and both horse and canoe rides. One of the more unexpected areas of the grounds was focused on the teaching of major biblical events. A second surprising area was focused on certain animals and their deformities. As you can see, these exhibits are few and far between; they certainly offer a wide range of variety, but one doesn’t necessarily relate well to the others, in our eyes.