Historic Sites in Machakos

Fort Machakos: Foremost Hinterland Base

A didactic panel placed over a block pediment at what was once Fort Machakos reads thus: The pillars mark the entry of the Old Fort of Machakos founded by Frederick Jackson of the Imperial British East Africa Company in 1889, enlarged and strengthened by Captain L.D. Lugard of the Norfolk Regiment in 1890. It was the first company founded by Imperial British East Africa on the interior of East Africa and from this John Ainsworth established law and order over Ukambani.

Although there’s inconsiderably little left to suggest the existence of Old Fort of Machakos, which was first identified as a viable station by Fredrick Jackson in 1889, this was the first administrative headquarter for the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEA) in the interior of Kenya. Machakos had been envisaged as the rail head of the approaching Kenya-Uganda Railway, and well on its way to become Kenya’s capital city. In one of the most debated final-minute changes, Nairobi was chosen as the rail-head. Although no one reason was given for the sudden change, history suggests that a recent famine in Machakos and internal wrangles among the railway officials aptly forced the hand of Head-Engineer George Whitehouse, against the wishes of IBEA Commissioner John Ainsworth.

In its heydays, Old Fort of Machakos had been a heavily guarded blockhouse akin to the succeeding high-level government office. It was demolished in 1921, and was only survived by two invaluable pillars which mark the site for the envisioned rail base. Still, the fort is a colonial relic that continues to stand as a testament to Kenya’s history. It is an interesting object of virtu of its history. From the Machakos Peoples Park it’s a short 5 km hop to Machakos town and Machakos Police Station.

Kenya is home to numerous historic sites that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, colonial history, and struggle for independence. These historic sites offer valuable insights into Kenya’s past and its diverse cultural heritage, making them essential destinations for visitors interested in her history.

Index of Historic Sites Around Kenya

Baringo County - Timboroa Railway Station , Bungoma County - Chetambe Fort , Kilifi County - Prince Henry the Navigator Monument , Vasco da Gama Pillar , Malindi Pillar Tomb , Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Butwani Pier , Kwale County - Shimoni Ruins , Lamu County - Shela Mosque, Lamu Fort , German Post Office, Siyu Fort , Machakos County - Macmillan Castle Sabuk , Fort Machakos , Makueni County - Gurdwara Makindu Sahib , Patterson Ruins Tsavo, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial , Twin Baobab Trees , Giant Meru Oak, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Old Port , Sanaa Gallery , Leven House , Old Law Courts , Kengeleni Bell , Old Railway Station, Mbaraki Pillar , Fort St. Joseph , Kraph Monument , Fort Makupa , Arab Rifle's Monument , Mombasa's Tusks , Ras Serani Light, Mandera County - Fort El Wak , Nandi County - Kaptumo I Kipture Forts , Samiitui Aldai Historic Stone , Nyeri County - Old Ruling Court, Taita Taveta County - Kitchwa Tembo Hill , Salaita Hill , The Sniper Tree , Maktau Railway Station, Mwashoti Hill , Mwakitau Hill , Tana River County - Tana Delta Old Fort , Tharaka Nithi County - The Mutunguruni Tree , Wajir County - Wajir Fort , Ancient Orahey Wells , Orahey Bunkers , The Old Town Wajir

Historic Ruins along the Coast of Kenya - Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River & Lamu

Part of the larger Ukambani alongside Kitui and Makueni, Machakos County is a nexus between Maasailand, the coast region, the central highlands, and Nairobi. The northern area of Machakos, being a dormitory zone for the capital of Nairobi and a peri-urban buffer for Kiambu, is developed with useful amenities. Southerly heading the ecology is continually semi-arid and the countryside more desolate.

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Explore Destinations Nearby Fort Machakos

A Guide to Machakos County

A Summa Digest of Machakos

About Machakos Way Back When

45 Destinations in Machakos County , arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, maps and distance chart:

Makuyu Ridge , Masinga Dam , Seven Forks Circuit , Mwea National Reserve , Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park , Ol Donyo Sapuk Resort , MacMillan Castle , Fourteen Falls , Yatta Plateau , Kanzalu Range , AIC Kangundo, The Komarock Shrine , Hyena Caves , Kitonga Garden Resort , The Thui Stone , African Heritage House , Athi-Kapiti Conservancy , Kwa Kyelu Wildlife Sanctuary , The Whistling Moran, Stony-Athi , Small World Country Club , Swara Plains Conservancy , Lukenya Hills , Kikao Camping Farm , Lukenya Motocross , Maanzoni Sanctuary , Amazing Kenya Retreat , Chumvi Tamu Camp, Konza Technopolis , Machakos Peoples Park , Masaku Flea and Curio Market , Old Fort of Machakos , Gelian Hotel , Kiima Kimwe , Machakos Golf Course , Mua Hills , Mua Hills Tented Camp , Iveti Forest Reserve , AIC Mumbuni , Kituluni Hill , Kamuthanga Farm , Wamunyu Handicrafts

Know More About Machakos County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like in Machakos?

Climate in much of the area is pleasant and similar to that of Nairobi, with temperature varying between 18 o C and 29 o C. And, rain is heaviest in March, April and September.

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.16?

Machakos County has rather unique topographical map – Hills and a small plateau in the mid area, a large plateau elevated in the south, and isolated hillscape in the north.

Know More About Machakos County…