Irresistible Chepkiit is the perfect spot for picnics and bird watching

Travelling along Eldoret-Kapsabet highway, one cannot resist the urge to make a stopover at Chepkiit conservancy and waterfall in Nandi County.

The sanctuary is about 1.5 kilometres from Mlango Shopping Centre, northeast of Eldoret Town.

Groups can engage in picnics, camping and retreats, educational tours, weddings and receptions, photography, rock-climbing, bird-watching, video shoots and nature trails while at Chepkiit.

The conservancy, which is 26 kilometres from Eldoret, also has a natural botanical garden comprising many indigenous trees and which, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.

According to supervisor and tour guide Elvis Kiplimo, visitors flock to the place on weekends and public holidays. 

“Many lovers wishing to have a serene environment and enjoy a cool breeze thronged the conservancy during Valentine’s Day,” Mr Kiplimo told the Nation.

Legend has it that the place was a scene of mercy-killing by members of the Nandi community. It is said ailing and sick elderly people were killed at the place by being pushed off the cliff “to end their agonising pain”.

“Not only is the conservancy  a tourist attraction but the River  Kipkaren water is also used for irrigation,” says Mr David Koech, a resident. 

The raging waters flow westwards, ultimately uniting with River Nzoia before ending up in Lake Victoria.

'VIEW FROM ABOVE'

Chepkiit which means “a view from above” in Nandi is home to 37 bird species. 

It also has animals like Colobus monkeys, snakes, chameleons, geckos, rock hyraxes and monitor lizards.

One can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties while at the sanctuary.

You can also escape the scorching sun by sheltering in the many caves there. 

Mr Kiplimo says the greatest challenge the sanctuary faces is a bad road from the highway. 

“The conservancy has a lot of potential. Besides serving as a tourist attraction, the waterfall can also be used to generate electricity. The county government should consider doing this,” he says.

Eight counties in North Rift are upbeat after governors signed an agreement to enhance economic transformation and social integration, with tourism being a priority.

The counties plan to create an internal market, targeting a population of more than six million.

The plan will be implemented through the North Rift Economic Bloc.