Why Machakos
Machakos, also locally referred to as Masaku, is an urban center and the capital of Machakos County in Kenya. Situated amid hilly terrain framed by the Iveti hills, the town registered a population of 63,767 during the 2019 census. It holds the distinction of being the oldest administrative municipality in East and Central Africa.
Originally named after Masaku wa Munyati, a Kamba tribal chief who arrived from the Sultan Hamud area in 1816, Machakos was formally established in 1887 by Sakshi Shah. It served as the initial administrative hub for British colonial authorities prior to Nairobi's founding. However, after being bypassed by the construction of the Uganda Railway, the colonial capital was relocated to Nairobi in 1899. In modern political history, Machakos hosted peace negotiations that yielded the Machakos Protocol in July 2002 regarding the civil war in Sudan.
The town exhibits structured urban planning and serves as a major regional transport hub. Its central bus terminal, colloquially called the Machakos Airport, facilitates bus and matatu connections to Kitui, the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western Kenya. Economic life in the region is supported by regular open-air markets held every Monday and Friday. The nearby Mavoko area contains substantial cement mining operations and production facilities, while Maruba Dam provides the town's primary water supply.
Visitors to the area can explore a variety of landmarks and recreational venues. Adjacent to Maruba Dam sits the Machakos Peoples' Park, a contemporary public space. East of the main town on Kituluni Hill, the local spot known as Kya Mwilu near Kaloleni is famous for a natural anomaly where water appears to flow uphill against gravity. Religious sites reflecting the population include Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cathedral, All Souls Anglican Cathedral, AIC Boman church, a mosque, and a Hindu temple.
Sports and community events are centered around key local facilities. The Machakos Golf Club features a lush nine-hole course, while the renovated Kenyatta Stadium hosts Kenya Premier League football matches and international fixtures as the home field for Sofapaka FC.
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