Eldoret: The Heartbeat of the Rift Valley

• HelloSalam
  [sa-lam]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwa-he-ri]
• YesNdio
  [n-dio]
• NoHapana
  [ha-pa-na]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [ta-fa-dha-li]
• Thank youAsante
  [a-san-te]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sa-ma-ha-ni]
• How are you?Uko aje?
  [u-ko a-je]
• Fine. And you?Safi. Na wewe?
  [sa-fi. na we-we]
• Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?
  [u-na-se-ma ki-in-ge-re-za]
• I don't understandSieelewi
  [si-e-le-wi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nin-ge-pen-da ku-o-na men-yu, ta-fa-dha-li]
• I don't eat meatSiwi kula nyama
  [si-wi ku-la nya-ma]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mam-bo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nin-ge-pen-da ku-li-pa, ta-fa-dha-li]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msa-a-da]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-da za-ko]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pi-ga po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pi-ga dak-ta-ri]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [ni-me-po-te-a]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [ni-na-um-wa]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nin-ge-pen-da ku-nu-nua]
• I'm just lookingNatazama tu
  [na-ta-za-ma tu]
• How much is it?Ni bei gani?
  [ni bei ga-ni]
• That's too expensiveHiyo ni ghali sana
  [hi-yo ni gha-li sa-na]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [u-na-we-za ku-pun-gu-za bei]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sa-a nga-pi]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [ni sa-a mo-ja]
• Half past (10)Nusu saa kumi
  [nu-su sa-a ku-mi]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [a-su-bu-hi]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-cha-na]
• EveningJioni
  [jo-ni]
• YesterdayJana
  [ja-na]
• TodayLeo
  [le-o]
• TomorrowKesho
  [ke-sho]
• 1Moja
  [mo-ja]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bi-li]
• 3Tatu
  [ta-tu]
• 4Nne
  [n-ne]
• 5Tano
  [ta-no]
• 6Sita
  [si-ta]
• 7Saba
  [sa-ba]
• 8Nane
  [na-ne]
• 9Tisa
  [ti-sa]
• 10Kumi
  [ku-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [i-ko wa-pi]
• What's the address?Anwani ni gani?
  [an-wa-ni ni ga-ni]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [u-na-we-za ku-nio-nye-sha (kwe-nye ra-ma-ni)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi la pili litakuja saa ngapi?
  [ba-si la pi-li li-ta-ku-ja sa-a nga-pi]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)
  [ti-ke-ti (kwen-da)]

Eldoret, located in the western part of Kenya, was founded in 1910 by Afrikaner settlers from South Africa. Initially named '64', after the 64th mile post on the Uganda Railway, the town's name was later changed to Eldoret, derived from the Maasai word 'eldore', meaning 'stony river'. This name reflects the stony bed of the Sosiani River that runs through the town.

In 1924, the railway reached Eldoret, significantly boosting the town’s development. The railway made it easier to transport agricultural produce to markets, fostering economic growth. This period saw an influx of settlers and traders, transforming Eldoret into a bustling commercial hub.

Eldoret is situated in the fertile Uasin Gishu Plateau, making it an ideal location for agriculture. Throughout the 20th century, the town became known for its prosperous farming community, producing maize, wheat, and dairy products. Large-scale farming and the establishment of agricultural institutions cemented Eldoret’s reputation as an agricultural powerhouse.

Eldoret is home to Moi University, established in 1984, which has grown to become one of Kenya’s leading universities. Additionally, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Kenya, serves as a major healthcare and medical research center. These institutions have played a significant role in the town’s socio-economic development.

Eldoret is renowned for producing world-class long-distance runners. The high altitude and favorable training conditions have made it a training ground for many Olympic and World Championship athletes. Notable athletes such as Kipchoge Keino, Eliud Kipchoge, and David Rudisha have roots in this region, bringing international fame to Eldoret.

After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Eldoret experienced rapid urbanization and growth. The town expanded its infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals. The local government invested in improving public services and amenities, further enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Eldoret is a melting pot of various ethnic communities, including the Kalenjin, Luhya, Kikuyu, and Luo, among others. This cultural diversity is reflected in the town's vibrant festivals, traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The town’s markets, such as the bustling Eldoret Market, are a testament to this rich cultural tapestry.

In recent years, Eldoret has emerged as a key economic center in Kenya. The establishment of industries, banks, and retail businesses has spurred economic activities. The town's strategic location along the Great North Road, which connects Nairobi to Uganda, has also made it a vital trade corridor.

Eldoret is well-connected by air, road, and rail. Eldoret International Airport (EDL) is 16 km south of the town center and offers both domestic and limited international flights. Major airlines like Kenya Airways and Jambojet operate flights to and from Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. By road, Eldoret is accessible via the A104 highway, which links Nairobi and the Ugandan border. Long-distance buses and matatus (shared minibuses) frequently travel between Nairobi and Eldoret, taking around 6-7 hours. The Kenya-Uganda Railway also passes through Eldoret, providing another travel option.

Within Eldoret, transportation options include matatus, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), and regular taxis. Matatus are the most affordable and are commonly used for short distances. Boda-bodas offer a quicker way to navigate through traffic but use them cautiously and ensure the rider provides a helmet. Taxis are more comfortable but relatively expensive. Car rentals are available for those preferring to drive themselves. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially in the town center.

The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets. However, smaller vendors and local markets typically operate on a cash-only basis. ATMs are available throughout Eldoret, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and authorized forex bureaus.

Eldoret is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be cautious. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas like Langas and Huruma, which have higher crime rates. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and use registered taxis or rideshare services for transportation. Emergency numbers to note include 999 for police and 112 for medical emergencies.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 112 for medical emergencies. Eldoret has several hospitals and clinics, including Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, which is the largest in the region. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. If you lose your passport or encounter other consular issues, the nearest embassies are in Nairobi.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and avoid loud conversations. Don't use your phone excessively on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use formal titles. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'ugali' and 'nyama choma'. Don't eat or drink in public during the fasting month of Ramadan, out of respect for Muslim residents.

To experience Eldoret like a local, visit the Eldoret Market for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kaptagat Forest for a scenic hike or the Kerio Valley for breathtaking views. For a taste of local nightlife, check out clubs and bars in the town center, but always stay safe and avoid going alone.