Are you a fan of Kisumu Dala and ever thought of a thrilling outdoor excursion to Kit Mikayi Rock? Naicef gives you a professional top-rated guide to Kit Mikai Crying Stone, Kit Mikai story, Kit Mikai location, and all activities to partake in the site.
For a quick venture package to this pristine destination, reach out to Naicef via email; my@naicef.com or tap +254799922277.
Naicef also gives you a top guide to attractions in Nairobi city, all conservancies and all parks in Kenya, if interested.
Now, do you know of Kit Mikayi meaning?
The term Kit Mikayi in Luo language means,” the stone of the first wife”. This is because there was a man by the name Ngeso who was obsessed by the stone and mostly spent his time within the rock.
When he was visited at his home, the visitors normally found his wife. The wife would then tell them that his husband is to his “first woman”.
There and then after, the stone was renowned as “Kit Mikayi” or also spelled as “Kit Mikatye”.
Below are more fun facts of this hidden gem, Kit-Mikayi.
Interesting Facts About Kit Mikayi Kisumu
Kit Mikai is among the best places in the world that is best suited for rock climbing. Here one is amazed by the big boulders that form the stone, defying gravity.
It was also believed that the stone used to cry water from the top, channelling water to the local people. It was symbolized as a sacred place for prayers, but only through a selected few who were chosen to carry out the rituals.
Another interesting fun fact about the rock is the culture and norms of the Luo communities near the site. Some of the Luo traditions are such as the energetic traditional dances, the medicinal herbs, and even the rituals.
One of the rites of passage they practiced was the removal of teeth. Those who were to be removed the teeth were supposed to be between the ages of 16 and 18 and be considered to have passed that stage.
This was normally done very early in the morning with the use of the traditional way, by using a hot stick. This was done early enough, to be able to prevent losing a lot of blood.
The teeth removed were normally the first six front ones. By this it was believed that when one was by any chance witch crafted or ill, it was easier to pass the medicine through their mouth while they were unconscious.
Kit Mikayi Story
The story of the rock began with an old man by the name of Ngeso of the Luo culture. He used to love staying inside the cave of the rock the whole day.
This forced his wife to take him his meals every day inside the stone. When people came asking around about the man, the wife would tell them that he had gone to his “first woman”-Mikayi.
This then hence became, “the stone of the first wife”-Kit Mikayi.
The Kit Mikayi was said to be a praying place for the local people where only chosen people were allowed. The prayers were normally done during the dry season when the rains had not been dropping.
Sacrifices were normally done, whereby chicken was mostly the sacrifice. The chicken would then be hit on the rock while alive, and then blood would smash on the rock.
The first piece of the meat would then be dropped near the rock, whereby thereafter it is said that water would come out from the top of the rock.
This was then believed that the rock had cried hence the Kit Mikayi Crying Stone.
The attraction is an UNESCO Inscribed site, that was recognized on 11th December 2019, as an intangible heritage.
How was Kit Mikayi Formed
The 120 m tall rock, according to nature and processes of rock formation, was actually formed through processes such as weathering and erosion.
Through weathering and erosion, resistant rocks usually remain intact as the less resistant rocks weather away or are eroded by factors such as wind.
The historic Kit-Mikayi rock is composed of three free-standing columns of huge boulders lying on top of each other.
Kit Mikayi Location
Wondering where Kit Mikayi is located! The 120m tall historic rock is in Kisumu County, 29km west of Kisumu town and 1 km off the Kisumu-Bondo Road.
It can be accessed via road from Nairobi via Kericho, or even via air through the Kisumu city airport.
Attractions In Kit Mikayi
1. Wildlife
Kit Mikayi being a UNESCO site, it is home to a variety of wild species such as Monkeys and different flora species. It is also among the best places in Kisumu to carry out bird watching.
2. Stunning Landscapes
The astonishing majestic boulders forming the Kit Mikayi rock beautify the place and offer breathtaking views and photos.
3. Culture & Belief
The site being a historic rock carries through generations, as a sacred place for the Luo culture. It was believed that only chosen people who were not residents of the neighbourhood were allowed to participate in their rituals.
It was symbolized, as a praying point, where during the drought season the chosen ones prayed for rain.
Also according to the Luo community, the rock structure signified the Luo family through Ngeso and his family.
The first wife’s house was built in between, the second wife’s home was on the right side, while the third wife’s house was on the left-hand side.
Ngeso’s wives were as follows: Mikayi(first wife), Nyachira(Second wife), and Reru(third wife).
Activities In Kit Mikayi
1. Rock Climbing
Are you a lover of climbing? Get to explore the epic huge boulders of the Kit Mikayi crying stone as you traverse through the narrow pass ways up the rock.
Hell’s Gate National Park is yet another pristine place, where you can get to do rock climbing, especially the Fisher’s Tower.
2. Bird Watching
Kit Mikayi has a variety of bird species and epic viewpoints where you can get to see these species. Are you a bird enthusiast?
Here is also a comprehensive guide to Lake Nakuru National Park, a home to over 450 different bird species.
3. Camping
Enjoy spending the night near the Kit Mikayi Crying Stone, where the local people believed it was a praying point. Some people also gather here to pray and fast for several days.
4. Guided Nature Walk
With an expert local guide, get to explore the site, and enjoy bonding with nature as you learn the different species in the area.
Ndere Island National Park is also one of the best places in Kisumu, where you can enjoy a guided nature walk. Here you can enjoy watching as the sun rises and as it sets, making it a memorable experience.
5. Cultural Experience
Get to engage in the traditions of the Luo people, such as the traditional dances, fairy tales, and traditional herbs.
Also learn about an interesting fact about the Luo, whereby one of their passages of rite was removal of teeth. This was done as they believed that when a person was unconscious or half-dead, it was easier to give them the medicine through the gaps.
Do you love learning about other people’s way of living? Visit also the Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the authentic Masai Culture.
6. Team Building
Kit Mikayi Kisumu offers a secluded haven for you and your corporate team members, to enjoy offbeat team building activities.
Accommodations near Kit Mikayi
Some of the best places to spend your night near Kit Mikayi are such as;
- Ciala Resort
- Divine Homes Resort Kisumu
- Gralins Hotel
- Alabama Country Lodge
- Nguge Hills Lodge & Wellness Retreat
- The Hydeout Riviera
Book with Naicef to get your preferred place to spend your night in Kit Mikayi.
Conclusion
Kit Mikayi Kisumu is among the thrilling places you can ever admire to visit in Kisumu city. It does carry a historic significance of the Luo culture, especially of an Old man by the name of Ngeso.
Kit Mikayi, meaning simply is “the stone of the first wife” as the first wife of Ngeso, thought that his husband loved the stone more than her.
Ngeso and how the rock came to be historic showcase the Kit Mikayi story and all of the beliefs and rituals that were performed.
Kit Mikayi location is in Kisumu County, 29 km west of Kisumu town and 1km away from the Kisumu-Bondo Road.
Some of the fun activities one may enjoy while in the site are such as rock climbing, bird watching, camping, and team building.
Get also to learn of the traditions and norms of the Luo community, such as the traditional dances, and the passage of rites such as removal of teeth.
Suitable places you can spend your night near Kit Mikayi are such as: Ciala resort, Alabama Country Lodge, Gralins Hotel, The Hydeout Riviera.
For more information kindly reach Naicef via email; my@naicef.com or tap +254799922277.
With Naicef, always remember that it is the tour company in Kenya, and leading travel blog in the whole of Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kit Mikayi
1. Where is Kit Mikayi located?
Kit-Mikayi is in Kisumu 29 km west and a kilometre away from the Kisumu-Bondo Road.
2. What does Kit-Mikayi mean?
The rock means “the stone of the first woman” in the Luo language.
3. Which are some of the activities one can do while visiting the site?
They include: rock climbing, bird watching, camping, team building, cultural immersion.
4. When is the best time to visit the site?
It is best accessible during the dry periods (June to September and January to March) for easy rock-climbing activities.
