Machakos, Administrative center in Eastern Province, Kenya.
Machakos is a city on hilly terrain in eastern Kenya, surrounded by the Iveti Hills. It features open-air markets throughout its center, modern recreational spaces, and sits near the Maruba Dam.
The city was founded in 1887 as the first British administrative center before the colonial government moved to Nairobi in 1899. This shift happened because Nairobi offered better positioning to govern the entire region.
The name comes from Masaku wa Munyati, a Kamba leader whose influence shaped local traditions that persist today. You can see traditional crafts throughout the markets, with weavers and potters continuing techniques passed down through generations.
The bus terminal in the center connects the city to other regions of Kenya, and you'll find multiple banks and ATMs downtown. The streets are generally easy to walk, though the hills mean some routes can be steep.
Near Kituluni Hill in the Kaloleni area, there is an unusual optical phenomenon where water appears to flow uphill. This natural puzzle fascinates visitors and is often described as a local oddity of the landscape.
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