"Welcome to Mogotio Equator Point," Ann greets us warmly, her hands cradling a well-carved elephant.
Beside her shop stands a brightly painted monument marking the Equator line, the main attraction in this area. Visitors from far and wide flock here to take photos and witness the fascinating phenomena that occur at this unique geographical location.
Ann understands five foreign languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, and French, in addition to Swahili and English.
The basic communication skills like greetings and counting money, she says, are crucial for welcoming and interacting with tourists from diverse backgrounds. Tourists visiting the area she said taught her the basics.
Ann's journey has been far from easy. Coming from a humble background she said she faced significant challenges after her parents passed away following her completion of high school education at Kabimoi High School in 2002.
Despite the challenges, she pursued short courses in secretarial and computer studies.
"We, along with my siblings, were left under the care of our relatives. I stayed with my grandmother, who is now 97 years old. Unable to secure a job, I resorted to manual labour and eventually worked as a shopkeeper to support my siblings' education," she recounts.
She then guides her guests a few meters northwards from the Equator mark. Confidently she illustrates the differences between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, capturing the attention of her visitors with every detailed explanation.
She skilfully poured water into the bowl and carefully placed the stick inside to demonstrate the phenomena that occur at different points along the Equator.
"Observe the clockwise rotation of the stick as water flows out of the bowl and back into the jug through the central hole. In the Northern Hemisphere, water displays a consistent clockwise motion," she explained.
She then directs her visitors towards the south. Repeat the same experiment on the southern side of the Equator line, this time the stick rotates anticlockwise. Along the equator, the stick remains still.
The visitors thanked her for the elaborate explanation and demonstration and handed her a few notes as they bid her farewell, promising to return at a later time.
A short while later, another car arrives, carrying two ladies and a man eager to learn from Ann after seeing the viral video.
Purity Kipsabul, another member of the Equator Curio Self-Help Group, echoes the need for effective marketing strategies to boost tourism in Baringo County.
"Baringo County holds immense potential as a tourist destination, with rich cultural heritage and breath-taking scenery. We urge the county leadership, including Governor Benjamin Cheboi and President William Ruto, to strategically enhance the tourism sector," Purity urges.
She passionately calls upon President William Ruto to visit the Equator and witness the extraordinary efforts they are making first-hand.
Purity emphasizes the crucial need for empowerment to catalyse the transformation of Baringo into a vibrant tourist destination.
