The journey began in Mombasa, where the coastal sun blazed relentlessly, casting a familiar warmth over the bustling city. I set out for Taita Taveta, about 150 kilometers northwest, with little more than a sense of curiosity and an open mind. What unfolded over the next few hours was a captivating transformation—of landscapes, weather, and human connection—that left an indelible mark on me.
From Coastal Plains to Rolling Hills
Leaving Mombasa behind, the flat, palm-lined terrain gradually gave way to a new world. The road stretched toward the interior, and soon, the majestic Taita Hills loomed into view. Part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, these peaks rose with quiet grandeur, their slopes shrouded in a faint mist that seemed to defy the sun’s intensity. Unlike Mombasa’s sprawling lowlands, Taita Taveta greeted me with elevation—some areas soar over 2,000 meters above sea level. The transition was striking, a shift from the coast’s horizontal expanse to the vertical drama of the hills.
A Chill Beneath the Sun
As we climbed higher, an unexpected sensation took hold: the air turned cool. Despite the sun shining as fiercely as it had in Mombasa, a crispness settled over me, refreshing rather than oppressive. This was Taita Taveta’s secret—a temperate climate that belied its proximity to the equator. The higher altitude brought a reprieve from the coastal heat I’d grown accustomed to, and I marveled at the paradox of shivering slightly under a blazing sky. It was a reminder of nature’s ability to surprise, even in the smallest details.
A Canvas of Green
The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. As we wound through the hills, the landscape unfurled into a sea of lush greenlands. Verdant vegetation stretched endlessly, nourished by the region’s generous rainfall, and dotted with small farms and homesteads. The greenery stood in vivid contrast to the semi-arid expanses that surround Taita Taveta, earning it a reputation as an oasis of fertility. Each curve in the road revealed a new vista, a living painting that dazzled the eyes and soothed the soul. It was impossible not to feel awed by the sheer abundance of life thriving in those hills.
A Warm Welcome in Mwatate
Arriving in Mwatate, the county headquarters, I was met with a different kind of warmth—one that radiated from people rather than the sun. The Kepsha chair welcomed me with open arms and a smile that lit up the room. His hospitality was genuine and heartfelt, a reflection of the pride and resilience that define the Taita Taveta community. This gracious reception wasn’t just a formality; it set the stage for the meaningful experiences that followed, making me feel instantly at home in this unfamiliar place..
Enthusiasm for Kurasa
The purpose of my visit was a conference, where heads of institutions from across the region had gathered to discuss Kurasa—a bold initiative to revolutionize education through digital innovation. The room buzzed with excitement as educators shared their visions and strategies. Their enthusiasm was infectious, underscoring the significance of Kurasa not just as a project, but as a lifeline for progress. These leaders weren’t merely attendees; they were architects of a future where Kenya’s students could thrive in a rapidly changing world. Witnessing their passion added a layer of purpose to my journey, connecting the beauty of the landscape to the promise of human potential.
Reflections on a Remarkable Journey
As I looked back on the day, Taita Taveta revealed itself as more than a destination—it was a story. The hills stood as symbols of challenges to overcome, while the greenlands hinted at the rewards of perseverance. The cold weather under a blazing sun mirrored the resilience needed to adapt and flourish. The Kepsha chair’s warm welcome and the fervor for Kurasa spoke to a community united by hope and determination. This journey from Mombasa to Taita Taveta was a tapestry of contrasts—coastal plains to rugged hills, sweltering heat to unexpected chill, and stunning scenery to inspiring human spirit. In this corner of Kenya, I found a place where nature and ambition intertwine, offering a glimpse of a tomorrow filled with possibility.
Crowning the week was the Pwani Edtech Summit 2025 where educators met to deliberate on adoption of technology in education. This event is a tease to the actual annual summit hosted in Nairobi by Edtech East Africa
About the Author:
Geoffrey Ombati is the Coast Regional lead and has been working closely with Kurasa Africa to establish trust and visibility with educators and schools within the region. His submission is a testament of how much dedication and intention is exercised by teachers each year in ensuring delivery of quality education at sub-county, county and ultimately national level.
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