West Pokot

At the western border of Kenya bordering Uganda lies West Pokot, which makes one wonder: where is East Pokot? Perhaps in Uganda? We’re not quite sure, but we digress!

The county seat is Kapenguria, a town of approximately 60,000 people. Perhaps best known for the infamous trial of Bildad Kaggia, Kung’u Karumba, Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Paul Ngei, and Achieng’ Oneko that took place there in 1952. The town holds a special place in Kenyan history as it was a turning point in the freedom struggle. Of note was that the defence team for the six was made up of a diverse group of individuals who represented the idea that Kenya belonged to many. The team included Brit Denis Nowell Pritt, Nigerian HO Davies, Indian Chaman Lall, and Kenyans Fitz De Souza, Achhroo Ram Kapila, and Jaswant Singh. County 24 hosted this seminal point in our history captured in the Kapenguria Museum, located in the old detention centre where the six were held for months.

The museum also holds artefacts detailing the rich Pokot culture and several items highlighting Kenya’s pre-colonial past. While traveling the A1 and you find yourself in Kapenguria, the museum is definitely the place to check out. Further north engineering enthusiasts may also want to visit the Turkwel Dam—the tallest dam in Kenya which was built in the late eighties together with the accompanying hydro power plant. The plant has an electricity generating capacity of 106 MW, making it the third largest hydroelectric power plant in Kenya. While on the subject of power generation, did you know that 87% of the power generated in Kenya comes from renewable resources? Hydro, geothermal and wind combined rank Kenya right up there.

Meanwhile for the hiking enthusiasts one can travel up the Sekerr escarpment to Kenya’s fifth highest mountain – Mount Mtelo. A two-day hike will take one to the summit where the views of the surrounding lush green hills offer a breathtaking view  all the way through the Katugh Pass to the Chereng’any hills. Accommodation is found at the bandas of Mtelo Viewpoint Campsite which offers a fantastic base camp for one’s hike. If running is more your thing, then taking part in the annual Peace Run hosted by the Tegla Lorupe Peace Foundation is an excellent way to contribute to the building of a nation. The races are held to foster peace through sports and were started by the former long distance champion who is a proud child of County 24.