Waning Heritage of Makhanga Village – a Worrying Trend

Shackled in the remotest segment of Bungoma North Sub County, Makhanga village holds a unique background. The area used to be predominantly occupied by Europeans during the colonial regime dubbed white highland was once believed to be more fertile than other regions. 

The name Makhanga was coined from the word ‘kamakhanga’, which is a bukusu term referencing guinea fowls. There were so many guinea fowls in the locality that made residents name the area as ‘Makhanga’.

In the 90s the zone used to be sparsely occupied, due to ownership of huge parcels of land bestowed to Africans after the departure of ‘white imperialists’. There were no establishments in the riparian lands, as gorgeous thicket blossomed.

The vast undergrowth pervading the riverside ecosystem necessitated flocks of guinea fowls to thrive. Residents used to hunt guinea fowls, which happened to be more delicious than the domesticated chicken.

Apart from accommodating guinea fowls, the region was also a natural habitat for hares and gazelles. People used to hunt those wild animals for food.

The Great Makhanga 

Makhanga is part of the larger Naitiri Settlement Scheme. The village borders Wabukhonyi, Nabing’eng’e, Nakoba, Sango, Milima and Lungai. Lumboka area, on your way to Lungai was part of Makhanga. 

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Ludeki Chweya hails from the neighboring Nabing’eng’e village. Ludeki served in the regime of Kenya’s third President Mwai Kibaki. First women representative of Bungoma County Dr. Reginalda Wanyonyi lives in the neighboring Masa village. 

The region has produced individuals who have rose to various leadership positions. Tongaren MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu is a resident of Makhanga village. Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya hails from that hamlet. 

Former Vice President the Late Wamalwa Kijana used to farm in the area because the land was fertile for maize production. Former UNCTAD Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi bought 250 acres of land at Makhanga, just adjacent to Makhanga Primary School for farming purposes.

The school near Mukhisa’s farm, situated atop River Kabuyefwe used to have teachers issuing instructions to pupils in the native bukusu language. Makhanga SA Primary School and its neighboring Lungai FYM, Milima FYM and Sirende RC entertained vernacular language in their premises for a long time.

What Happened?

Going to Makhanga currently, the area is densely populated as land has been subdivided into smaller segments. Most people who inherited land from their fathers have sold it to the point of remaining homeless. 

There is no more immense undergrowth, no fields for kids to herd cattle while playing local football. The improvised ball made of nylon papers is referred by natives as ‘lifundo’. Guinea Fowls, gazelles and hares are no longer there as their natural habit was encroached. 

The market is still underdeveloped, with few active shops and no butchery. Butcher operators shunned doing business there because most natives preferred green vegetables and chicken than beef. 

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