Meet Jimmy: The Tree Caretaker of Ronald Ngala Street, Eldoret

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, Jimmy faces challenges from County askaris who often arrest him for repairing punctures on the street. They confiscate his tools and force him to take days off work. On these days, Jimmy can be found tending to his beloved trees, ensuring the street remains beautiful.

Jimmy's dedication to maintaining the trees and flowers along the Ronald Ngala Street shows his commitment. His passion for making the street beautiful shines through in his work.