Sirikwa holes are saucer-shaped hollows found on hillsides in the western highlands of Kenya[1] and in the elevated stretch of the central Rift Valley around Nakuru.
By 1909, the name had generally passed on to the wider culture associated with this type of structure and Mary Leakey picked it to describe the finds she found at Hyrax Hill.
[7] Excavations indicate that these hollows were surrounded by a fence or stockade and on the downhill side, a single gate, usually with extra works and flanking guard houses.
[8] From the remains it is apparent that houses were not built inside the actual Sirikwa holes, they were attached however and were constructed on the outer side of the fence, being approached through the stock-pen and entered through a connecting door.
[7] Mounds are found in association with "Sirikwa holes" and are usually situated below the entrance and were formed by the dumping of mud, dung and general refuse from domestic use such as food bones and the occasional broken pot.