Kisumu, Kenya

Kisumu, Kenya
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kisumu_City.jpg
Author: Victor Ochieng
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Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya. It is a port town on the western part of the country. Located at an elevation of 1,131 m (3,711 ft) above sea level, Kisumu today has a population of some 400,000 people (2011 estimate).

Located on the northeastern edge of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is the biggest city in the Nyanza region of Kenya. It is also the second most important city in the greater Lake Victoria basin after Kampala.

Kisumu was founded in 1901 and was originally called Port Florence. Its location at Winam Gulf on Lake Victoria helped it grow rapidly as a port for trades with Uganda and Tanzania. However the town suffered a decline since the 1970s due to the advent of road transport replacing boats. In recent years, its growth has rebounded due to oil exports.

Visiting Kisumu

You can reach Kisumu by bus and shared taxi from Nairobi. Kisumu Airport (KIS) is the third busiest in the country. It receives flights from Nairobi, Eldoret and Mwanza.

Tribal hut of the Luo people at the Kisumu Museum showing the house of the first wife
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kisumu-Ber_gi_dala3.jpg
Author: Omondi
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Places of Interest in Kisumu

Jamia Mosque
Due to influx of Muslim immigrants, such as indentured laborers from India, Kisumu is today predominantly Muslim. The first mosque of Kisumu, the Railway Mosque, was built in 1905, but as the Muslim population grew, the Jamia Mosque was built to replace it in 1919.
Impala Sanctuary
Sanctuary in the village of Dunga created in the 1980s to protect the last population of impala in the area.
Kisumu Market
This is the biggest market in Western Kenya. It sells all forms of edibles, from vegetables to fruits to meats, as well as furniture, utensils, tools, and anything else that the home may need. The place is a bit chaotic, which perhaps adds to the fun of exploring.
Kisumu Museum
This interesting museum provides a glimpse into the cultures of the Luo, Luhya, Kipsigis and Nandi tribes living in the area. There are also excellent examples of hanging nests of the weaver birds. Other items include fishing baskets, cooking utensils, and tribal accessories.

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