It was established in 1887, years before Nairobi where it was the first administrative centre for the British Colonial Government but later moved to Nairobi due to the hilly terrain surrounding the town and the fact that the Uganda Railway line by-passed the town.
Being a cosmopolitan town, it has a demographic figure of 150,041 as of 2009 Census Statistics and houses mostly the Akamba who are the majority in the region.
The town neighbors Kangundo, Tala, Athi River, Kathiani and Masii Towns which contribute towards the economic development of the satellite town.
The hilly terrain formed by Iveti, Kya Mwilu, Mua, Ngoota and Kiima Kimwe hills provides a conducive environment for Agriculture. As a result, Coffee farming in the area is common hence the existent of Tendelyani Farmers’ Cooperative Society, situated 2 kilometers from Machakos Town.
It has a rich history and heritage regarding its establishment. It was formed by missionaries from Africa Inland Mission (A.I.M) in 1954, two years after Sir Evelyn Barring the then Governor of Kenya, declared a state of emergency at the height of Kenya’s struggle for independence. Through its links with Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exporters, it has marketed its coffee and has realized the highest payment to its members only witnessed during the coffee boom in 1970.
My childhood expeditions mostly revolved around this place because of its uniqueness. Its name Tendelyani which means slippery place is filled with rocks which are slippery. As that time, there were no Ice Skating joints; it formed our Panari Sky Center. One was seen as a hero if they ever reported that they paid a’ courtesy call’ to the place.
Since most parts of the town are arid and semi arid, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has settled its operations 8 kilometers South of Machakos, situated along the Machakos-Wote road and has mandate to carry out adaptive research and development programs in the area. Its core objective is identifying and promoting adoption of appropriate technologies to increase productivity of the main commodity enterprises in a sustainable manner which it has attained in the recent past.
Machakos open air market is rated the best according to its diversity in the farm products it offers. Commodities ranging from fresh fruits, cereals and vegetables are readily available during its official market days, Mondays and Fridays. Also, second hand clothes mutumba are available in the separate marikiti market at an affordable price.
Machakos has a number of financial institutions such as Barclays, Equity, Kenya Commercial Bank (K.C.B), Standard Chartered, K-Rep and Cooperative Bank, all situated within the heart of the town. Also, micro-finance institutions such as Bimas and Kenya Women Finance Trust who target Small and Medium Enterprises contribute largely to the economic growth of the town.
Machakos brags of a well connected transport and communication system and its proximity to Nairobi makes it a major rural center and a satellite town. Also, the town planning is on point with the Urban Planning requirements and has a well planned bus terminus in the CBD. It is a beehive of activities during peak seasons where roads from the town lead to Makueni, Kitui and Nairobi which contribute a large spec towards its development in terms of tax harnessing by the County Government.
A stopover at Wamunyu on your way to Kitui will spill out the rich culture embraced by the residents. Wood carvings and sculptures of all types are available and are sold locally and to some extent imported oversee due to their unique form which they assume. Also, on your way to Kangundo, Kyamwilu offers practical lessons to tourists on Isaac Newton’s Gravity theory.
Education system in the Town is incomparable as the standards of academic institutions are remarkable. A look at Machakos Primary, Machakos School and Machakos Girls’ for the boys and girls respectively which produce the creme de la crème in the country will confirm your doubts. Tertiary Institutions are mushrooming in the region with the latest to be crowned a Public University, Machakos University College (A constituent University of Kenyatta University) among others.
For golfers, Machakos Golf Club is spread over a large lush area including a 9-hole golf course which draws in Mega tournaments drawing in substantial amounts of taxes from the visiting golfers.
The entertainment scene is also on spot ranging from bistros and classy hotels with green outdoor sitting and five star decors among them Maanzoni Hotel, Garden, Ikuuni and T-Tot hotels. In addition, there are lots of Conference centers such as Lysak Haven and Shanbad House. For the interest of quenching one’s thirst, Hornbill, Buddies, Club Wizard and the new sheriff Joint in Town, Club Sky link, make it easier for you.
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