East, West home is the Best.
I fondly remember my days growing up in a charming village in Kinangop, on the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges in Nyandarua County.
Despite the cold, rainy, and muddy conditions that prevailed in Kinangop, we never loss our joy and laughter.
The rains and the mud were a blessing in disguise. We enjoyed so much playing and sliding in the mud down the slippery slopes.
As boys we took a shower once in a blue moon, and the moon hardly turned blue.
The showers of rain were sufficient to keep us green and clean.
One of my most cherished memories was the carefree lunchtime breaks at school.
Because our families could not always afford the luxury of a proper lunch, we would spend our free lunch breaks playing in the school field, running and exploring the school compound with joy and laughter.
Of course, our school days had some challenges too.
‘East, West home is the Best.’
– Pst Boniface Amani (CPM)
Some overzealous teachers would meet harsh punishments on us for minor things, like arriving late, not finishing homework or speaking vernacular language while playing in the field.
As pupils we banded together so well, supporting one another and finding ways to navigate the difficulties in school.
Looking back, it is remarkable how we survived, thrived, and finished our schooling against all odds.
It was a true testament to the resilience and determination that defined our childhoods in Kinangop.
As an introvert, I grew up fearing girls, and my mother would constantly scold me for it. She expected her firstborn son to be bold and daring.
Despite the challenges, I cherish the memories of my childhood.
The cold, the rain, the mud, the hard work on the farm, and the fear for girls have all contributed in making the man I have become today.
I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
Kinangop will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I learned the value of resilience, friendship, and making the most of what I have.
That is my little childhood story. Tell us your own.
Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)
