Day 5: Traveling to Embu County

Our group traveled today to Embu County where we will begin experiencing the Kenyan educational system through interacting with students, teachers, and administrators at several schools. As we drove in Kirinyaga County, we saw hay drying along the side of the road and being made into bales. We also saw rice fields and rice drying on large tarps. We bought some rice to use during our home stays.

Cows grazing along the road
Hay drying along the road and hay in bales
Rice fields
Rice spread out to dry along the road
Buying rice

We stopped to eat lunch near Mwea.

Eating lunch
Eating lunch

After lunch, we had our class discussions in the bus as we drove toward Ugweri, where we will stay for four nights.

Class discussions
Class discussions
Class discussions
Class discussions

When we arrived in Ugweri, we were welcomed warmly at Peter Rugano’s home and shown around the shamba (farm).

Warm welcome

Warm welcome
Bananas
Traditional bee hive in a tree
Traditional bee hives on platforms

When we dropped one of the study abroad course leaders, Jeff, at his host family home, we were invited to participate in a pre-wedding function they were hosting for one of their sons.

Pre-wedding function
Jeff making a contribution to the pre-wedding
Trying out a water pump

We then went to the host families where the students are staying, unloaded the luggage, and enjoyed a delicious dinner.

Unloading luggage at host family homes