Art is more than a crafted structure. Art is worth a thousand stories; it is a symbolic representation of a community’s way of life or beliefs. Just at the Centre of Chuka town, the commercial hub of Tharaka Nithi County, is where we find this mind-boggling, perfectly crafted piece of mountain art.
Upon careful scrutiny, one will realize that the monument contains different elements that are symbolic representations of the cultural and economic lives of the people in this region.
Indeed, this art depicts the way of life of the people of Chuka. It also acts as a town adornment because of its outstanding features. I bet one cannot miss setting eyes on this magnificent cenotaph on their arrival to Chuka, and crave for an adventure into deeper parts of Tharaka Nithi for more exciting experiences.
The ambient green environment around the root of the mountain, a buffalo, and an elephant is a representation of the green vegetation across many regions of the county.
On the left side is a statue of a goat, which symbolizes livestock keeping. On the right hand, farmers are picking tea. Farmers have cultivated tea and coffee in the county’s highlands, as well as sorghum, maize, green gram, and millet in the lower parts. Dairy farming and aquaculture are also practiced in the region as ways of improving the county’s economy.
Ever since the colonial era, when dairy farming was introduced to the country, most people in Chuka have been practicing it as a delightful source of income. Over time, dairy farming has grown in the area, and the county has been ranked among the top milk producers in the country thanks to Kirege, an outskirts of Chuka town. Aquaculture is a relatively new economic activity that is picking up quite well in the county.
And just across the county, heading for Meru, we find the infamous Nithi Bridge. It’s a sight to behold. The place is so cool and has an amazing natural view. The bridge cuts across the Nithi River, making it possible to view the flowing water from either side. It’s breathtaking scenery to take pictures and shoot videos.
The Nithi Bridge has been described as a killer bridge due to the numerous accidents that have occurred as vehicles move down the narrow, steep valley towards the bridge. The most recent collision occurred on Sunday, July 24, 2022, when a Modern Coast bus slammed into the guardrails and slid into the river.
Another tourist attraction is Mount Kenya, which is a world heritage site. It’s one of the few snow-capped mountain in Africa besides Mt. Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori. The scenic mountain which lays along the equator and Chogoria route in Tharaka-Nithi was once the preferred route for hikers. Apart from hiking, this route offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s flora and fauna.
Still within Mount Kenya’s forest is the famous elephant maternity at Gaketha. This gives nature lovers a very rare opportunity to witness this spectacle. It also offers researchers an opportunity to study elephant behavior.
“Magundu Ma Chuka, also known as the Chuka Forest, is located within Mount Kenya National Park and Forest Reserve and is home to the indigenous Chuka people.
It is a significant environmental frontier since it serves as a habitat for multiple important wildlife species, including threatened elephants, as well as an essential source of water for the entire county. The indigenous tribe also heavily relies on this forest for commodities such as medicinal herbs, food, and fuel from the forest floor. Furthermore, the mountain and its trees are important to the Chuka as a resting place for ghosts.
On the other hand, the Meru National Park can also be exploited to generate handsome income for Tharaka-Nithi County. It is possible to develop Ura Gate as an alternative route to the park.
Cultural tourism is yet another frontier that is equally unexplored. Though Chuka drummers are known the world over, the Tharaka people’s unique culture remains largely undiluted. Other attractions include the tallest tree in Africa (Mutunguru) and Kibuka Falls.
Indeed, Tharaka Nithi County is endowed with all what it takes to be a preferred destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
By David Mutwiri and Emmanuel Mwangi
