Machakos, also called Masaku, is a town in Machakos County, Kenya, nestled in the eastern part of the country, approximately 63 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. The town's history is rich and complex, marked by periods of prosperity, conflict, and missed opportunities.
Early History and Colonial Era
Technically, Machakos is the oldest administrative municipality in East and Central Africa. Machakos was established in 1887, ten years before Nairobi, and was designated as the first administrative center when the British established their colony in the late 19th century.
The County Government of Machakos was originally inhabited by various Bantu-speaking communities, mainly the Akamba people who were primarily agriculturalists and traders, with rich cultural practices and traditions. Still largely inhabited by the Akamba people, a Bantu ethnic group known for their history and cottage industries of trade, craftsmanship, and agriculture.
In the 1890s, Machakos town experienced the first significant contact with the outside world, first with the missionaries and the more deep-rooted connection with the colonial administration. The Africa Inland Mission (AIM) set up one of Kenya’s earliest mission stations in Machakos in the 1890s, introducing Western education and Christianity. By 1895 IBEACo had divided Kenya into provinces. Machakos was the earliest district in Kenya, aside from the Coast belt, in which there was any permanent European settlement.
The Kamba nation, estimated at about 4.6 million, make up, by sheer weight of numbers, one-tenth of Kenya’s peopling. Historically, the Akamba people were involved in the trade of ivory, skins, and slaves with Arab traders on the coast. The Kamba community has remained active in diverse economic activities.
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The establishment of the station at Machakos in 1889 had coincided with a period of increasing prosperity among the Akamba. Relations between the Akamba and the British were soon strained because the British interfered with the trading activities of the Akamba.
Another cause of friction was the lack of respect for Kamba traditions, including the wanton destruction of traditionally significant trees. The move by the British to stop the Akamba from raiding their Kikuyu neighbours was the last straw. The organized attempt to attack Machakos Fort by an influential Kamba trader and trader, Mwatu wa Ngoma, was thwarted by the then District Commissioner, John Ainsworth, who had been informed beforehand of the imminent danger and was well prepared. Henceforth, Mwatu wa Ngoma became an ally of Ainsworth for self-interest.
The Akamba struggle to remain free was pursued by another warrior, Mwana Muka from Kangundo. The discordance between Mwana Muka and Ainsworth - unnerved by the open rebellion - would lead to a significant engagement, fought to keep the gainful raiding routes open or, from the point of view of Ainsworth on behalf of the government, conform to the new colonial rules. The actions of Mwana Muka to send his warriors to attack the garrison prompted Ainsworth to send a punitive expedition of 950 Maasai warriors to ravage the area. Reciprocally, a second punitive force comprising Kikuyu and Maasai warriors devastated the Kangundo area, forcing the hand of Mwana Muka to sue for peace. A detachment of the Kenya African Rifles was established in Kangundo.
The Railway Decision and Shift to Nairobi
Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan launch feasibility study for Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba railway
In the late 1890s, engineers plotting the Uganda Railway-later nicknamed the Lunatic Express-faced a choice. Machakos, though thriving, was hilly and lacked a reliable water supply. Nairobi, meanwhile, offered flat terrain and abundant water. In 1899 the British shifted the capital to Nairobi, after Machakos was bypassed by construction of the Uganda Railway.
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The railway bypassed Machakos, and with it went the promise of capital status. The capital was moved to Nairobi two years later. It is widely thought that the reason for this move was because the Uganda Railway by-passed Machakos Town. Still, others believe the move was attributed to the hostilities and conflicts between the local traders, natives, the settlers, and the government railway construction officials.
The eastern half of the area fell into the Kamba Native Land Unit administered from Machakos, while that part of the area south of the railway was Maasai country administered from Kajiado. European farmlands occupied the central area between the Kamba and Maasai reserves.
Modern Machakos
Part of the larger Ukambani alongside Kitui and Makueni, Machakos County is a nexus between Maasailand, the coast region, the central highlands, and Nairobi. The northern area of Machakos, being a dormitory zone for the capital of Nairobi and a peri-urban buffer for Kiambu, is developed with useful amenities.
Despite dashed ambitions, Machakos retains unique strengths. The town also boasts cleaner streets, lower crime and more affordable housing compared to Nairobi, making it increasingly attractive as a commuter base. Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities. “Machakos is a small colonial town surrounded by hills, experiencing pressure from a rising population.
Machakos remains a salient historical, cultural, and economic county, blending traditional Kamba heritage with modern development. Over the years, the County has attracted other communities who have lived in harmony with the indigenous Kamba people, creating a rich mosaic of societal expressions that enhance community identity. However, Kikamba remains the dominant language spoken in the region.
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The region’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, industry and tourism. Agriculture, particularly horticulture and floriculture, has become an economic mainstay.
Machakos has a number of banks such as Barclays, Equity, National Bank, NIC Bank, Credit Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Standard Chartered, K-rep, Co-operative, and Kenya Commercial in the CBD, and the Universal traders Sacco.
Machakos town has good road infrastructure and town planning. It has a well-planned bus terminal at the heart of the town popularly known as the 'Machakos Airport'.
Major sports grounds include the Machakos Golf Club spread over a large lush area including a 9-hole golf course. There is also Kenyatta Stadium which is adjacent to the Machakos Social Hall and is the home ground to Sofapaka FC. It is a busy stadium, being used in many of Kenya Premier League (KPL)'s schedules and Internal matches.
Tertiary education is still growing, with new universities and colleges like Machakos University, Machakos Teachers Training College, Machakos Institute of Technology, Copperbelt College, Century Park College, Lukenya University, African Training Centre for Research and Technology, Scott Christian University and Computers for School Kenya. The most advanced and oldest collage remains the Kenya Medical Training College Machakos Campus.
Attractions and Recreation
Machakos has hilly scenery, good for camping and hiking. Kaloleni near Ngelani, is famous for "water flowing against gravity". It is on Kituluni Hill, a spot known as Kya Mwilu to the east of Machakos. A modern recreation park.
Whether short, long, alone or with family or friends, you’ll find the ideal hotel here. The entire team is eager to help you plan your memorable holiday. Long, short, big and small, we’ll help you work it all out.
Table: Key Facts About Machakos
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1887 |
| Location | Approximately 63 km southeast of Nairobi |
| Original Inhabitants | Akamba people |
| Key Economic Activities | Agriculture, industry, tourism |
| Educational Institutions | Machakos University, Machakos Teachers Training College, etc. |
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