From Nairobi to Murang’a: Discovering family, food and shared traditions in the countryside
A traveler shares a reflective essay about taking a day trip from Nairobi to Murang'a with a mentor to visit family, contrasting the short travel time with longer trips to western Kenya. The journey highlights scenic landscapes, shared cultural traditions, and warm hospitality in the central Kenyan countryside.
Why it matters
Travel narratives and cultural features foster a deeper appreciation of local geography, community connections, and shared traditions.
Last Saturday, I travelled to Murang’a with a friend, to visit her aunt. I looked forward to that trip the same way children look forward to wearing their new clothes on Christmas day! A chance to be out of Nairobi even for a few hours is always refreshing.
Two weeks ago when my mentor and friend, Prof Jennifer Muchiri, called to invite me to the trip to her ushago , I had asked her if I needed to carry a change of clothes. She said I did not need to because we would not sleep over. I unconsciously asked, “are you sure?” and the answer was something along the lines of “What do you mean am I sure? Of course, I know where I was born and how long it takes me to get there.”
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