Where the economy is tea-driven

A visit to Nandi Hills Town can never be complete without a tour of Koitalel Samoei Museum in the town centre.

On the plot are two buildings – a refurbished colonial house with red tiles that serves as the museum and the great leader’s mausoleum.
The statue of the legendary Nandi leader, Koitalel arap Samoei, stands next to it.

At one of the corners of the museum are Samoei’s royal batons.

“These treasured staffs of Orgoiyot Koitalel Samoei were recovered through the diligent efforts and guidance of Egyptologist Kipkoech arap Sambu and doctoral student Kipnyango arap Seroney with cooperation of Col Richard Meinertzhagen, son of Randle Meinertzhagen on January 23, 2006,” reads a plague on the safe where the batons are kept.

The shield-shaped mausoleum signifying the traditional “bullet proof” guard used by the Nandi resistance warriors will cost Sh20 million donated by the Kibaki government.
Adjacent to the mausoleum are two grass-thatched huts known as kot ab gaa, complete with Kalenjin regalia and cultural names.

Standing tall in the compound are two giant Mugumo trees. Legend has it that one grew where Samoei is buried.
Nandi Hills Town or Kapng’etuny as is locally referred to started as a colonial administrative centre in 1897.

Tea plantations

A trader, Samuel Kiprono Ng’etich, says it was the point the community members received blessings from spiritual leaders as they planned for the future.
The town overlooking Nyando plains is surrounded by tea plantations.

In mid 1990s, there were less than 20 shops in Nandi Hills Town but the tea industry has transformed everything.

“Tea pluckers drive the economy here when they receive their advance payment and salaries. There is high demand for food and non-food items,” says Mr Ng’etich.
Next to Koitalel Museum is the scenic Nandi Bears Club referred as Ketbarak by locals.

Koitalel Samoei was shot dead in October 1905 at Ketbarak by Col Meinertzhagen after leading a seven-year rebellion against the British. Nandi bear or kerit, a mysterious beast, is believed to have lived near the club before it became extinct.

There are several multinational tea companies in the town including Nandi Tea, George Williamson and DL Koisagat. Their presence and many others has attracted the attention of about five banks.
Nandi Hills Town also hosts the county Labour offices. Many old buildings are being pulled down to pave way for malls and modern-looking ones.

Among upcoming business premises include Tea Planters, Nectar, Siret and the Kunjo hotels.
Nyama choma, ugali with mursik and tea dominate menus in almost all hotels around. When one is not having a drink in the popular clubs around, then he or she is enjoying tea in one of the many backstreet hotels.