Kakamega

Understand

Kakamega is the capital of the region — a city that would likely fade into obscurity without this title. Nevertheless, it has a distinctive character. The Muliro Garden divides the city into two distinct halves. To the east lie expansive parklands and elegant villas, as well as a golf course. This area is quiet and almost secluded. In contrast, the western part is loud, bustling and somewhat shabby. Nearly all the shops, markets and small workshops are located here. The only other attraction in the east is the Naivas Centre, which is rarely visited by residents of the western part of the city due to its high prices.

In Kakamega's streets, one occasionally encounters a white person, but these days, they are few and far between. There used to be entire neighbourhoods where scattered Britons lived — relics of the colonial era, elderly and seemingly from another time. Today, they have almost completely vanished from the streetscape, either having passed away or having become too old to take long walks. There appears to be no successor generation.

Kakamega was once a place of great hope and bustling activity. In the 1930s, a gold rush erupted after gold deposits were discovered. People from all over the region flocked to the town, lured by the prospect of making a quick fortune. The great boom is long over, yet something new seems to be developing. The former Western Province of Kenya is primarily known for its fertile soils and intensive agriculture. Sugarcane and maize, in par…

Get around

As is the case everywhere in Kenya, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are the cheapest and fastest means of transport. Those who prefer more comfort can take an Uber.

See

The city has no classic tourist attractions, but offers small-town African life and bustling activity in the streets and small shops.

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