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| map of kenya |
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| Tharaka can be found close to Meru |
Tharaka is one of 71 Districts in Kenya, situated in the Eastern Province,
It is mainly the home of the Ameru (Meru Tribe ). the people are mainly Christian; Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, methodist,
and other denominations - reflecting the work of the missionaries in this area. There are other minority groups - those
of indian descent are mainly hindu and those of African/Arab descent are mostly Muslim.
Languages:
Most people speak their own tribal tongue (mother Tongue) and Kiswahili -
those who have had any education will speak reasonably good English
- Tharaka district is one
of the poorest districts in Kenya neibouring Meru and Garissa. The locals
term it as “the forgotten district from independence, but “God has finally remembered us”
says Julius Mungania. Until recently the area had no cell phone coverage.
The area is mostly arable,
with people running their own small farmsteads, growing grains and vegetables, for their own use, and if they have anything
extra this would be taken to the local market to earn some well needed cash.
There is no tarmac roads in the whole area.
| There's no tarmac in Tharaka |
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| bicycles are main mode of transport |
| Julius Mungani |
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| click to see photo gallery |
Tharaka has no natural resources, and as Julius has said it's like
the forgotten land , with no electricity, no running water, and no sanitation.
Houses are scattered throughout the area, many are just small huts
with corrigated iron for roofing. There is usually a separate building for the kitchen area. 85% of the Tharakan
people live below the poverty line, earning less than £10.00 per month.
Many of the people (women in particular) walk up to 10 km per day
just to get sufficient water for the day. The main mode of transport is by foot, or bicycle if they are privledged enough
to own one.
Tharaka is prone to famine, and with the land becoming so dry the
subsequent rains cause much flooding. (see the Photo gallery). Despite their hardships, we have found the Tharakan people
to be so loving, welcoming and a joy to be with. Despite having little they would give you their last.
| the bridge was washed away after a heavy downpour |
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| we had to abandon our journey |
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