Kericho & Bomet

Introduction and a Brief History

Kisumu City , capital of Nyanza province, Kenya, lying on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria.

Situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater Lake, Kisumu City is the 3^rd largest town in Kenya, but its superb atmosphere is miles away from that of Mombasa and Nairobi. It lies 3,711 ft (1,131m) above sea level and has a population of over 379,000 people.

Kisumu is the main town in Western Kenya, the former capital of Nyanza Province, and the current headquarters of Kisumu County. It is the major town in the Nyanza region and the second most important town in the Lake Victoria basin after Kampala.

The Origin

Kisumu literally translates to a place of barter trade. The town has “Companionship” status with Cheltenham, UK and “Sister Town” status with Colorado, Boulder, USA, and Roanoke, Virginia. When the British first settled in the area in the 19^th century, Kisumu became one of the biggest trading posts in this region – attracting the Luo community from as far as Siaya and Mogori County. The Kisumu area was later inhabited by the Luo people.

An individual going to Kisumu trading post at that time used to say, “Adhi Kisuma” meaning “I am going to trade.” Derived from the term Kisuma, Kisumo is the Luo’s name for a trading post. In Nandi, it is “Kesumett”. The present-day Kisumu is an English corruption of the word Kesumett or Kisumo.

Another theory argues that Kisumu Town derived its name from “Kusuma”. Kusuma is the Maragoli term for trading. This is because the Maragoli were already trading with Maasai and Nandi before the Luo arrived in this area. You should also note that some Luo’s words originated from the Maragoli.

Kisumu history shows that it was among the earliest settlements in Kenya. In fact, historical records show that it has been dominated by different communities at different times before the British arrived. The people from the Abagusii, Nandi, Abaluhya, Kalenjin, Maasai, and Luo tribes converged at the shore of Lake Victoria and named it “Sumo”, meaning “a place of barter trade”.

Kisumu People and their Culture

The Luo ethnic tribe, Kenya’s third biggest population, accounts for the vast majority of residents in Kisumu County. Other tiny communities exist in this county, but the most prominent is the Luhya community.

Indians arrived to build the railway, and there is currently a sizable Indian community in this city. The primary language is Dholuo, but English and Kiswahili are also widely spoken by the educated populace.

The majority of people consume fish, also known as Omena, prepared in various ways. This great eating of fish has been ridiculed as the primary source of the region’s high IQ. Kisumu’s residents are likewise diverse.

Kisumu residents also enjoy Ugali, a dish made with maize flour and water that is frequently blended with additional grains including as millet, cassava, and sorghum.

1. Ndele Island National Park

Located in the heart of Lake Victoria, Ndele Island National Park is a haven for dozens of bird species. It is covered mainly by grassland and offers breathtaking scenic views of the Mageta Island to the east, the glimpses of Kampala to the southwest, and the Homa Hills to the south.

The lake-shore supports hundreds of animals including Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Snakes, Hippos, Impalas, Baboons, Several Fish Species, Waterbucks, Zebras, Warthogs, and the rare Sitatunga Antelopes. Additionally, over 100 bird species can also be viewed here including Grey Headed Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, and Black Headed Gonoleks.

2. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Situated on the shore of Lake Victoria, the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a wonderful, relaxing place to experience the natural beauty of the city. The sanctuary hosts the rare Sitatunga Antelopes, Impalas, Big Cats, Giraffes, Buffalos, several Primate Species, and Cheetahs.

Also, the sanctuary is home for 5 campsites all with amazing views of Lake Victoria. Nature walks, glass-bottomed boat rides, and bird watching compliment the activities offered at the sanctuary.

3. Kisumu Museum

Kisumu Museum is situated in Kisumu City along the Kericho-Kisumu highway. Opened in 1980, the museum disseminates and stores information on scientific and cultural issues with an emphasis on Kisumu County and the neighboring areas (former western Kenya). Exhibits include western Kenya cultural history.

The primary features of the museum include a wide collection of fauna and flora species. The main notable animals include amphibians and reptiles, collected from western Kenya. You also get to experience a traditional Luo homestead as well as other traditional artifacts from this community.

Kisumu museum is also a great destination for workshop and seminars both local and international. Attached to the museum are a few monuments and sites of historical importance including Rusinga Islands, Fort Tenan, Thimlich Ohinga, and Songhor.

4. Kit Mikayi

Kit Mikayi, a large Tor (Rock) with 3 rocks on top, is located about 1km from the Kisumu-Bondo road and about 29km west of Kisumu. It stands tall above other neighboring rocks in Kangeso area. The 70-80 feet rock is also a crying rock. It resembles a lady with a load on her back.

It is a site with lots of myths and stories about the rock and you will be amazed to hear these stories and even get a chance to visit the nearby caves. They are often used as worshiping sites of the Legio Maria.

Climb the rock and view the magnificent view of Kisumu City, Kisumu International Airport, Rolling Plains, and Lake Victoria. You can also get here and set a picnic camp too or even play soccer matches with the local community at the nearby school, Kit Mikayi Primary School.

1. Boat Trips on Lake Victoria

Setting out in a boat or canoe early in the morning is the best way to experience the lake and contrary to other places, there are no entry fees. The bird species exceeds 100 and also, there are Giant Otters and monitor Lizards along the lakeshore – remember to bring a pair of binoculars and your camera.

At Kisumu Beach Resort and Kiboko Bay Resort, you can hire a motorized boat and they also facilitate fishing trips and a visit to Ndere Island National Park. The other, depending on your negotiating skills, and also the cheaper option is to book a canoe trip via local fishermen/villagers in Kisumu, Dunga, Hippo Point, or other areas along the beaches though you should know that they are small boats.

At dawn, the lake is usually calm, but in the afternoon, the wind picks up making it impossible to sail. It is not worth taking the risk. In fact, many people have drowned because of sailing when the lake is rough. Also, ensure that your guide has brought safety vest before your venture into the lake. It is also a good idea to carry a hat and sunscreen because you will be exposed to the sun throughout (no shade in the boats).

2. Fishing Expedition and Kayaking

Lake Victoria is the ideal destination for both novice and experienced kayakers and anglers. Perhaps you would fancy a weekend or holiday camping on the Beach of Mfangano Island and spend your time sport-fishing for Nile Perch?

Or wish to accompany the fishermen for the superb sight of night-fishing off the beautiful Rusinga Island – moving up and down under the moonlight among thousands of paraffin lamps on an inky and black lake while the fishermen pull in their nets of Omena Fish attracted to Lake Victoria’s flies. You can also enjoy Kayaking, if that’s your thing.