On a quiet hill in Nandi, the Koitalel Samoei Mausoleum stands as a solemn guardian of history.
Within its walls are artifacts and oral traditions of a man, whose bravery and sacrifice defined spirit of the Nandi.
For over a century, Koitalel arap Samoei has lived on in the memory of his people, not just as a leader, but as a symbol of unity and defiance against colonial intrusion.
Now, the mausoleum, long overlooked by mainstream tourism is emerging as the centerpiece of Nandi’s tourism revival.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Scholastica Tuwei, believes the Koitalel mausoleum is key to repositioning Nandi on the tourism map.
“The mausoleum is more than a historical site. It is a symbol of identity for the Nandi, and a reminder for the nation’s cost of freedom. By positioning it as a tourism frontier, we are giving our people’s story a global stage, while ensuring the community benefits from the economic opportunities that come with heritage tourism,” she explains.
Koitalel led the Nandi resistance between 1895 and 1905, fiercely guarding his people’s land and way of life until his assassination in 1905, under a white flag of truce. To the community, his story is not only history but identity.
“Koitalel is our pride. He represents the sacrifices our forefathers made for freedom long before independence,” says elder Kipkemboi Cheruiyot from Nandi Hills.
“When our children visit the mausoleum, they don’t just see exhibits, they meet their past and it strengthens their identity,” he said.
For many, the site holds the potential to become a national shrine, standing shoulder to shoulder with memorials of Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya.
It is envisioned not only as a tourist stopover, but as a research hub, a cultural learning space, and a platform for telling Kenya’s freedom story to the world.
Already, the county is working on digitising the mausoleum, archiving artifacts, developing virtual tours, and creating an online portal to make Koitalel’s legacy accessible globally.
Governor Stephen Sang has set tourism as one of the key pillars of economic diversification.
Consequently, the county administration, working with the National Museums of Kenya and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, is investing in road access, visitor facilities and digital platforms to boost tourism visibility.
“The world knows Nandi for producing world-class athletes. We now want them to know us for our history, landscapes and culture. Koitalel’s legacy will be at the heart of this journey,” he said.
While the mausoleum anchors Nandi’s cultural tourism, the county is also blessed with diverse natural attractions like Nandi Rock, a towering granite outcrop offering panoramic views of the Rift Valley.
At the same time, Chepkiit, Kapkoros, and Keben Waterfalls offer a perfect opportunity for eco-tourism, hiking, and photography.
Other tourism sites include the Nandi Escarpment and Indigenous Forests, rich in biodiversity, which are ideal for attracting hikers, bird watchers, and conservation enthusiasts.
Not to be forgotten are the numerous Tea Plantations at the Nandi Hills, offering agrotourism, coupled with elaborate Cultural Festivals, which entail celebrations of music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire.
“These sites are our hidden treasures. If well promoted, they can create jobs for the youth, support local businesses, and keep our traditions alive,” stated Ruth Koech, a cultural ambassador.
“Our goal is to make Nandi the next big cultural and eco-tourism hub in Kenya. With proper infrastructure, digital visibility and community participation, tourism will become a driver of both pride and prosperity," Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei said.
The Koitalel mausoleum, in particular, has the power to attract both domestic and international visitors, she added.
Equally, private sector players have stated that if these sites are properly marketed, the county will get more revenue, thus improving the livelihoods of the local people.
However, cultural leaders have cautioned that commercialisation of the entire tourism concept should not necessarily erode the rich Nandi culture, but must also be seen pto rotect our heritage.
