/ 10 June 1999

ANCIENT TOOLS DISPLAYED

PALAEONTOLOGISTS on Wednesday unveiled stone tools estimated to be more than 2,3-million years old, discovered on the west bank of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. They are the oldest tools yet found in Kenya. Palaeontologists Helene Roche of France and Mzalendo Kibunjia of Kenya said the site where the tools were discovered is ”like a workshop”, adding that scientists are puzzling over who made the tools, since no human remains have been located near the site, where bones of ancient fish and reptiles have been found, however. Kibunjia said the discovery of Homo Habilis remains nearby would alter once again our genealogical tree. These hominids ”were well versed in shaping stones,” Roche said.