Ikutha

Ikutha is a small town located 100 kilometres south of Kitui Town, along the Kitui-Kibwezi highway. The climate in the Ikutha region is generally dry, and temperatures can be quite high.

Although Ikutha is not a very big urban centre, it hosts several important institutions. Among these are:

Ikutha Level 4 Hospital

This medical facility, which is run by the government, was officially opened in March 2017, and is the largest hospital in the area.

Fig. 1: The Ikutha Level 4 Hospital

Fig. 2: The Ikutha Level 4 Hospital

Ikutha Girls

Ikutha Girls is a public secondary school located within Ikutha Town.

Africa Inland Church Ikutha

This is the historical church that is the original mission station of the Africa Inland Mission (AIM) which was set up by German Missionary Johannes Hofmann and his wife, Emilie, in 1895. From here the AIM spread to the rest of Kenya (and other parts of East Africa) and eventually became established as the Africa Inland Church (AIC).

Fig. 3: The plaque at the gate of AIC Ikutha (Courtesy: AIC Ikutha)

Fig. 4: The old church building constructed by missionary Hofmann at AIC Ikutha 

(Courtesy: AIC Ikutha)

Fig. 5: An old church bell at AIC Ikutha (Courtesy: AIC Ikutha)

Fig. 6: The burial site at AIC Ikutha where missionary Hofmann and his family were laid to rest

(Courtesy: AIC Ikutha)

Fig. 7: The new church building presently being used for worship at AIC Ikutha

(Courtesy: AIC Ikutha)

Other amenities at Ikutha include a fresh produce market and several other churches. With the recent tarmacking of the Kitui-Kibwezi Road, the main streets of Ikutha have also been tarmacked and this has enhanced the beauty of the town.

The Ikutha Level 4 Hospital and the AIC Ikutha church are built at the edge of Ikutha Town, from where one has a perfect view of the Tiva River valley below and the Yatta Plateau in the distance. From this vantage point a small gap can be seen on the plateau. The gap is referred to by locals as mwanyani (the Kamba word for ‘gap’ or ‘space’). The Kitui-Kibwezi Highway has been constructed through that gap on its way to Kibwezi.

Fig. 8: The Yatta Plateau as seen from Ikutha, with the Tiva River valley below  

Fig. 9: Business premises at Ikutha Town

Fig. 10: A street in Ikutha Town

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