Passionate artist whose love of nature led him to live in a tree

By Titus Too

Eldoret, Kenya: When we arrived in his compound, he ushered us to a stairway ascending a huge tree below which a meandering stream flowed in a naturally wooded environment.

To our amazement, he led us to a neatly constructed structure atop the tree and served us drinks as lunch was being prepared in one of the ‘rooms’.

Nickson Kipkogei Koimur, 34, has moved a notch higher in his efforts to conserve trees by constructing a magnificent home in one, sealing his attachment to nature.

“My decision to live in a tree was informed by a desire to blend nature with mankind. My home is a jewel in the woods and I want to celebrate the manifestation and gift of nature,” says Koimur.

The wooden house supported by the strong branches of the cider tree is complete with a living room that is decorated with beautiful furniture, a kitchen, a bedroom and a balcony where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the environment.

“I came up with the idea of constructing my tree-house by investigating birds that build their nests in trees. Aeroplanes were also invented through studying birds and my house is just like a nest,” says Koimur.

He values nature and says by living in a tree, he moves away from the conflict of jams and congestion.

Free mind

“I can have a free mind and a peaceful environment living here,” says Koimur, describing his tree-house home as ‘intimate’ and adding that he can host more than 50 guests at a go because it is strong.

 “There are three levels in my tree-house. The first is the dining level where food is also prepared. The main level has a west and east view veranda and a sitting room, bedroom and toilet,” he says.

He adds that the final and the highest level of the tree-house is a pavilion from where one can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Koimur adds: “I have set a theme within the main tree – cider – which is an inspiration. It is an endangered tree species yet it takes long to mature; it is medicinal and was also used to crucify Jesus according to the Bible.”

His tree-house is part of an eco-museum he has established and named ‘Amazing Park’ in Ainabkoi location within Uasin Gishu District.

The park has imaginative wood designs that are very attractive for tourism.

“Some visitors from Nakuru and Uganda have toured this park and had an opportunity to sleep in the tree-house,” says Koimur. 

He says tourism should not be viewed only in terms of wild animals, noting that creativity through art can bring about ideas that attract visitors.

He plans to expand the tree-house so that more visitors can be accommodated. He is also in the process of completing a cave house and plans to establish a bush camp.

The entrepreneur, however, identifies the lack of electricity in the area as a big challenge to his work. He says he applied for connection but received a quotation of more than Sh2 million, which is beyond his reach.

For ordinary people, deadwood is commonly used as firewood, but Koimur has developed artistic designs from it to save trees as well as generate an income.

He has ventured into the production of ornaments like bangles and wooden furniture and ornaments.

His work is diverse and stretches from decorative art like statutes and wall hangings to tables, corner stands, mirror frames and lamp shades among others, all of which are unique.

He also aspires to venture into advertising using nature.

“Like the pyramids of Egypt, we want to make natural designs of elements or architecture and furniture that is artistic, cultural and historical,” says Koimur.

Some of his wooden carvings depict animals including dinosaurs, snakes and lizards.

Students from various schools have been visiting the park to view his work. They tour the artistic facility at a fee and come out inspired.

“We have received a number of institutions whose students come and view the creativity in the park. We also give talks on conservation and how we can celebrate nature through artistic wood designs,” says Koimur.

He opted not to pursue a teaching career after a two-year P1 course at Tambach Teachers’ Training College in 2002, and has no regrets about the risk he took to start his artwork.

“Most of my products are designed from wood that takes different shapes. Trees may take different shapes due to injury or disturbance during the growing stages and when designed, they produce natural and amazing products,” says Koimur.

He adds: “Some of the products are designed using trees species from different counties in the region as an impression of unity and co-existence among the people.”

“Whenever I see village women carrying firewood that has interesting shapes, I ask them to surrender the wood to me so I can come up with my designs.

“Some of the designs appear as caricatures and help to make the compound attractive,” he says.

Koimur is also an avid reader of gardening books, including the New Western Garden by the editors of Sunset Books and Magazines, and says “art is food for our eyes”.

He points out that none of his products come from freshly harvested trees; instead, they are from old branches of deformed trees.

Born in Dry within Uasin Gishu County, Koimur attended Dry Primary School and later Kituro Boarding School in Baringo County.

He went on to Tambach High School and after his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams, he joined Tambach Teachers’ Training College in 2000 for a P1 course.

He has, however, never taught as he resolved to concentrate on art, where his passion lay.

Koimur says he began to notice the amazing features and shapes of trees years ago, when he used to herd his parents’ cattle in the forest.

Koimur adds that he wants to save trees from being turned into firewood or charcoal.