History

The main motivational factor behind the Agikuyu building their homes facing the vibrant snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya rests on the myth that the mountain was the home of Ngai (God), who was the Mwene nyaga (possessor of brightness), given the shiny snowcapped surface of the slopes. Shrines were therefore commonplace and people actively participated in rituals and sacrifices until 1949 when the park was gazetted. Indeed, one might say that visiting Mt.Kenya National Park is like entering God’s house only that you drive into it.