Wonders of Sergoit Hills

By William Kiptoo James Nderitu, fondly known as Jimmy, is a familiar face along Ronald Ngala street in Eldoret. Despite not being an official employee of Uasin Gishu County, Jimmy voluntarily takes care of the trees that line the street, making it one of the most decorated streets in the newly established city. In 2013, Jimmy planted the trees himself and has been maintaining them ever since. Starting with one side of the street, he has now expanded his efforts to the opposite side. Running a puncture repair business on the busy street for over 15 years, Jimmy has seen the area transform from a swamp to a bustling street with Zion mall. Jimmy's motivation comes from his desire to give back to the community. He does this work free of charge because he wants to make a positive impact. He even filled a big hole in the road by himself (before the street was constructed) to ensure vehicles could access the garage, showing his dedication to the community. Despite his good intentions, Ji...

  By William Kiptoo Mahindi Hotel in Eldoret was a popular spot back in the 1980s. This three-story building offered entertainment, dining, and lodging options in town. The building also housed various businesses, including a well-known bar called Mini Bar, which had a cool Jukebox for music lovers. At one point, Mahindi Hotel was the tallest building in town until the New Miyako Hotel was constructed in 1980. The hotel was named after its owner, Mr. Mahindi Gitonga. Originally from Gakoe village in Kiambu, Mahindi was the younger brother of Ngugi Gitonga, who owns Sosiani View Hotel and Eldo Bliss Hotel in the adjacent street. Their father, Gitonga, worked for a European settler in Kiambu and taught his sons how to repair bicycles, which he learnt from the settler. When the Mau Mau emergency was declared in 1952, Mahindi and Ngugi joined the fight against British rule and stayed in the Aberdare Forest until Kenya gained independence in 1963. After independence, Mahindi and Ngugi s...