Kericho is a small town located in the highlands of Kenya. It is situated in the Rift Valley Province, and is home to a population of around 300,000 people. Kericho is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its lush green tea plantations, stunning views, and vibrant culture.
The area around Kericho has been inhabited for thousands of years. The first people to settle in the area were the Maasai, who are thought to have arrived in the area around the 15th century. The Maasai were a nomadic people, and their culture and traditions are still visible in the area today.
The town of Kericho was founded in the early 20th century, when a British colonial administrator, Charles William Hobley, was sent to the area to survey and map the land. He named the town after a nearby river, and the name Kericho has stuck ever since.
Kericho quickly became an important trading center, as it was situated at a crossroads between the Maasai and Kikuyu people. It also became an important stop on the Uganda railway, as it was the closest station to the Ugandan border.
In the 1930s, the British began to cultivate tea in the area. This was done to help boost the local economy, and by the 1950s, Kericho was the largest producer of tea in Kenya. Today, tea remains the main crop in the area, and Kericho is known as the “Tea Capital of Kenya”.
Kericho has a rich cultural heritage, and is home to a variety of tribes, including the Kipsigis, Nandi, and Luo. Each of these tribes has their own unique traditions and customs, and the area is known for its vibrant traditional music and dance.
Kericho has also become an important educational center in recent years. It is home to several universities and colleges, including Moi University, which is the second largest university in Kenya.
Kericho has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small trading post. Today, it is a vibrant and bustling town, and is a popular tourist destination. It is a great place to explore the culture and history of Kenya, and to experience the beauty of the highlands.