Machakos, Kenya

Capital City

With a population of just over 114,000, Machakos is a modest Kenyan town that serves as the capital of Machakos County. While it was once the country's first administrative center, today Machakos is overshadowed by the bustling capital of Nairobi, which siphoned away its prominence after the Uganda Railway bypassed the town in the late 19th century.

The city's infrastructure and planning are decent, with a well-organized bus terminal and road network. However, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache, as evidenced by the tragic Kyanguli Secondary School fire in 2001 that claimed 67 lives. Machakos also has a hilly, scenic landscape that could appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, but the town itself lacks the vibrancy and economic clout of Kenya's larger urban centers.

Overall, Machakos is a low-key provincial town best suited for those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the hurly-burly of Nairobi.