Mattresses were introduced in Kenya by the colonialists and missionaries who entered Kenya in the late 19th century. The earlier mattresses were stuffed with straw and hay. Africans were used to lying on hides and skins got from domestic animals like cows, goats and sheep.
Images of earlier missionaries like Dr David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley or Dr Ludwig Krapf show them enjoying rest in the comfort of a hammock. Hammocks were preferred due to their versatility. They could be held together by fastening ropes on two trees.