Western Kenya Becomes a Tourist Mecca

Western Kenya Becomes a Tourist Mecca

The Kisumu Tourist Office was established in September, 2006 with the mandate of overseeing tourism related activities both in Nyanza and Western Provinces. Since its inception a lot has been achieved as regards regulation of tourism enterprises, product development, product diversification, marketing and promotion.

Tourism in the western circuit is slowly becoming a money spinner more than it has been expected .This can be attributed to the concerted efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and all the tourism stakeholders from this region to develop and market the regions diverse attractions both locally and internationally.

The tourism potential in this region is tremendous with plenty of scenic beauty, legends, traditions and cultures which cut across the entire region.The region also is the home to the world’s largest tropical fresh water lake namely Lake Victoria which in turn is the source of River Nile. The Nile perch fish which measures about 5ft and other 300 rare species of fishes belonging to the haplochromine ciclids are found in this Lake. There are also other unique attractions in this region such as Rusinga Island, Mfangano Island, Sindo Bay Santuary, Thim Lich Ohinga National Museum, Beautiful Muhuru-Bay and Karungu Beach, Pre Historic Sites, Tom Mboya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Memorial Mausoleums, Ruma National Park , Ugwa Bay Ruins, Huma Hills Hot Springs, Kisii Soapstone Mines at Tabaka Manga Ridge in Kisii ,Lake Simbi(Simbi Nyaima) Flamingo Sanctuary, Oyugis Bird Sanctuary, Odino Falls in Sondu Miriu River, Sondu/Miriu Delta for Hippos, Santuary and Crocodiles, Ahero Rice Fields, Ahero herony Birds Santuary, Luanda Magere (The Rock Tomb of Kano Hero).

Kolwa , Birds Santuary, Kisumu Museum, Kisumu Impala park, Kisumu Railway Old pier, Kit Mikayi(Legendary Rock of the First Wife) Ndere Island ,Kogelo Village ,Mageta Island Ruins, Yala River Delta and Usenge Birds Areas, Got Ramogi, Sugarbelt of Chemelil and Muhoroni ,Abagusii Cultural Centre Kakamega Forest and Kakamega National Park, Bull fighting, Crying stone of Eshieywe, Lubao market famous for dog selling, River Nzoia Falls.(Webuye Falls) Mumias Sugar plantation, Nandi Hills Ridge, Mt Elgon National Park(Elephant Caves in Mt Elgon).Malaba Bird Santuary,Tront fishing on Kimilili river and Kimilili forest.

Lake Victoria which is locally known as Nam Lolwe is in fact this region’s nucleus within whose perimeter lies over 50 tourist attraction locations of great interest to the tourists. In addition, the President of the United States of America has his roots on the shores of Lake Victoria at Kogelo Village. This fact has added flavour to the tourism development in this region. Obama senior hails from this region which was previously unknown to the outside world. Currently thousands of Americans, Europeans, Asians, Arabs, Japanese and even Chinese tourists have become curious to know about this little African Village from where the first ever African- American President of the United States has his roots.

There are over 150 visitors flocking to this village daily and increasing to over 500 over the weekends. In view of this, many opportunities have been opened which can be exploited. In addition, there are plans to open an “Obama route’’that would start from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley and Lake Victoria, leading to Kogelo.This is expected to boost tourism development in this region.

This region also has highly developed infrastratures such as Eldoret International airport, Kisumu Airport which is being considered for upgrading to international status and airstrips in smaller towns. Roads network, railway system from Mombasa through Nairobi to Kisumu where there is a pier for boats and steamer service are well developed. There are also adequate and reliable tour operation services, good eating facilities that offer continental, Chinese, Indian and African cuisine, good and ample accommodation facilities and good security at all times.

Finally we as a Ministry, we will continue giving guidelines on policy issues regarding tourism development in the region and assistance to all stakeholders engaged in tourism related activities to enable them conduct their businesses in a conducive environment to earn this country more revenue, create employment opportunities both direct and indirect among other benefits. We will also offer technical advice to all wishing investors in the industry.

BY: Department of Culture
Nyanza and Western Provinces

To be published in the Lake Victoria Basin Jewel Magazine, June 26, 2009
For details, contact
Akech Obat Masira
Tel No:254 726 164954

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Tel No:254 726 164954