Nyeri, the land of natural beauty and home to heroes and heroines

The Founder of the Green Belt Movement the late Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, was born and raised in Nyeri. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The Founder of the Green Belt Movement Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, was born and raised in Nyeri so is marathon runner Catherine Ndereba.
  • In 1900, the Scottish missionaries had described the agricultural town as the place that never lacked in water or food, with lavish green vegetation, an aspect that remains true.
  • These range from its involvement in the fight for independence through Mau Mau fighters, among them Dedan Kimathi, to its contribution in the economic growth of the country through the Former President Mwai Kibaki.

‘Nearer to Nyeri, nearer to bliss’ is a phrase that remains undisputed about Nyeri, despite the negative stories flooding the broadcast, print and social media.

Its highlands rich in agricultural produce, its welcoming people steeped in rich Agikuyu culture and its plains stretching to the Aberdare Ranges makes it stand out and a unique destination for both local and international tourists.

In 1900, the Scottish missionaries had described the agricultural town as the place that never lacked in water or food, with lavish green vegetation, an aspect that remains true.

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MAU MAU FIGHTERS

The home of heroes prides itself in the role it has continued to play in shaping the country’s history.

These range from its involvement in the fight for independence through Mau Mau fighters, among them Dedan Kimathi, to its contribution in the economic growth of the country through the Former President Mwai Kibaki.

The Founder of the Green Belt Movement Wangari Maathai, an environmental activist who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, was born and raised in Nyeri so is marathon runner Catherine Ndereba.

Just recently, the beatification of Blessed Sister Irene Stefani ‘Nyaatha’ again put the region on the world map.

That notwithstanding, the two-hour drive from Nairobi gradually introduces you to a new realm of freshness away from the busy and crowded city.

Its endearing feature, Mount Kenya, slowly revealing its peak as your drive to the town and on a good sunny day, one can almost see the snowy peak and imagine the flowing streams.

Expansive tea and coffee plantation gives you the impression that it is a compulsory requirement for any farmer to grow the cash crops.

A thirst for birdlife, wildlife and urge for adventure is fulfilled in the many national parks surrounding the town.

The glamour of the close view of wildlife in the Aberdare National Park from the Treetops Hotel is what lured the royal couple, Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth in 1952 to visit the country for their honeymoon.

It is here that the Princess received news of the death of her father, King George VI, paving the way for her to ascend to the throne of England.

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