INTRODUCTION
1st June is a special day to our country Kenya as we celebrate Madaraka day. This commemorates the day our country attained Partial independence. Many Kenyans comes together either for National Events, County and regional event or family events. On this same day every year, the Alumni of St. Thomas of Aquinas, the Catholic Chaplaincy of The Technical University of Kenya comes together as a family to celebrate their unity with a Bonding Event.
This year, they chose a Hike event in Kijabe Hills, located North West of Nairobi and is part of the Kikuyu Escarpment .The Escarpment has major attractions sites which include Williams Hill, Gatamaiyu river line walk, Kijabe / Kiharu circuit and Kereita forest and waterfall.
EVENT’S DAY
At exactly 7:00Am, at the main gate of The Technical University of Kenya was parked a 51 Seater Bus and 14 Seater Nissan. The smiles, joy, bags, water bottles and sport gears communicated the image of the event ahead. As members kept streaming in, the organizing team was re-registering the names just to make sure that every member was present. At exactly 8:30Am, we had a short session of Singing and Praying, asking God to start of the day with us and guide every step. Names would be immediately read through as members get in the vehicles. During all this time, the two drivers were seated across the road relaxing waiting for the time to start the journey.
At around 8:50Am, the journey started having confirmed everyone was inside the vehicles apart from three members who were to be picked along the way.
FIRST STOP WAS ALONG WAIYAKI
The first stop was along Waiyaki Way for shopping. Committee had planned to carry extra water to keep members hydrated and some glucose to keep them energized. Members were also allowed to pick an extra snack.
The journey to Kijabe Hills would take us around 2 Hours with a stop at the Junction of Nakuru Highway to Kijabe. At this point we made a call to our selected guides to direct us to Kijabe Hills. The next stop was at Kijabe Mission town area where the committee organized meals with a restaurant where the group will take lunch after the event.
The adventurous journey, with a rough steep roads and thick bush commenced to old Kijabe where we found our guides waiting. At 11:30Am, members had a short program for stretching and warming up as the guides shared with us a briefing on what to expect and how to go about the hiking. At this point every member was ready for the Hike which started immediately.
With the help of about six guides who joined us, we were able to go through the terrain, to the water springs, caves, a dark tunnel, railway line and eventually to the challenging peak point. All this time they were giving us the History of every Scenery. We were getting to the peak at around 3pm. Members would celebrate for conquering the challenge, sing and dance as they look on the slopes down and also took photos to enjoy the beautiful sceneries from the hills top.
At 3.30 pm, the journey downwards started. We would get to the bus at 5pm and this time we started the journey to Kijabe Mission town area for Lunch.
ATTENDANCE
Total number of members present was 65. These included Alumni members, YCS members, few spouses and friends of Alumni members.
CHALLENGES
Though so many improvements from previous experiences, there was still a challenge of time in the morning.
RECOMMENDATION
- There is a need to observe time stated.
- We must strictly stick with program, the stated time and activity
CONCLUSION
We thank God for the success of the event. Great appreciation goes to all the members for the time and sacrifice, to our Chaplain, Rev Fr Prof Ndikaru Wa Teresia and to the committee.
God bless you all.
Edwin Wachira - Moderator
TUK Catholic Alumni