Eldoret was originally called the farm 64, ‘Sisibo’ hence why the prevalence of 64 in naming different areas here. My guess is you might have heard of it before. How about the fact that Eldoret was established in 1910 with the construction of a post office? No? Maybe? I bet you didn’t know this one. Well, that was me, minutes ago, and for that, you’re in luck because I come bearing good tidings (as usual). To our curious minds who may already know this, don’t click off just yet, because that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll bring you the entire iceberg in just a second.
History Corner Series at Kikao 64
First things first, Eldoret is now the 5th largest town. And, in the lead-up to the city status acquisition, Kikao64 hub is here to bring you what matters. Kikao64 hub in Eldoret is introducing the first-ever History Corner Series around town. This is a series of events exploring the history of Eldoret town as it looks at Eldoret’s colonial and post-colonial past and how that has defined its outcome now.
“We want to explore the different dynamics of Eldoret and ask what that means about our memories of Eldoret. Who are we beyond being Kenya’s food basket and our athletes?” shared the spokesperson at Kikao 64, ahead of the launch.
Launch
The series which is launching Thursday the 23rd of February 2023 at 5 pm (put that reminder, and thank me later!) will feature a film screening of the documentary, “A Very British Way of Torture.” as its first piece of content. The screening will be followed by a Question & Answer session with the film’s Director, Edward McGown joining virtually. Enough said, If you were thinking of passing on this chance, then this is your cue to re-think it! The launch and the first session will run from 5 pm to 7 pm.
The history corner series was co-curated by a Kikao64 member and Communications Specialist – Jonathan Bii (not the Governor of Uasin Gishu County) looks at how the town’s cultural, economic, and social shifts in the past have changed and are told through the lens of British colonialism.
Interest are already showing about the event series. You, your friends, colleagues, family; residents and non-residents alike are welcome to come to share your stories which will be documented and added to the mural.
Future of the Series
Yea, right! The mural! It is perhaps my favorite part of all this. A representation of a work of art cast directly on a wall is what is a ‘mural’. So, the culmination of the events from this series will be turned into a mural at Kikao 64’s building. It will not only document the town’s history but also provide an opportunity for Eldoret residents to come and walk down memory lane.
For this and other history corner sessions to come, you can join the Kikao 64 community and be part of the insightful sessions. The first session (23rd February 2023), will be from 5 pm to 7 pm. You can also register to join virtually. It is free of charge!
Kikao64 hub is located on Kenyatta Street in Eldoret’s Central Business District. The modern and creative space offers workspace options. Apart from this, the hub has been a trendsetter in Eldoret in running programs that harness the power of community, collaboration, and engagement.
See you at the History Corner!
