Bungoma County

A Hub of Diversity

A Summa Digest of Bungoma County

Covering an area of 3,032 km2 in western Kenya, flanked by the fertile farmlands counties, Bungoma County is, on a similar note to Kenya’s fertile western region, primarily agrarian. Farming is the central source of livelihood for the majority.

The intensive cultivation is due mainly to the presence of a dark, rich soil derived from the breakdown of the rocks of Mount Elgon, dominating its northern quarter, aided by moderately heavy rainfall, fairly well distributed throughout the year.

Additionally, Bungoma County has some small-scale industries, trade, and a growing service sector. Socially, Bungoma County is home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Bukusu, Tachoni, and Teso people known for their extravagant ceremonies, heritage and traditional practices.

From Eldoret, it is a rather brisk 71 km journey, through Turbo and Kipkarren, to Webuye, a busy trading centre on the eastern corner of Bungoma. Webuye is the second largest town in Bungoma County. It is situated 30 km east of its largest and capital town, Bungoma town, located in the mid south area of the county. Alternatively, from Kitale, it is a 64 km hop to Webuye via Kiminini and Misikhu.

A further route of 96 km, travelling northerly from Kisumu to Webuye, through Kakamega, rounds up Bungoma’s unofficial title as the hub of western Kenya. The growth of Bungoma town, begun as a result of a play of many forces, but largely as a small railway halting-station with open air commercial activities following the arrival of the Uganda Railway in 1925. Uniquely, it has two town areas, Kanduyi (old) and Bungoma (new) separated from each other by Bungoma Airstrip.

The rise of Bungoma town was also influenced by the A104 international road connecting Eldoret, Webuye, Bungoma and Malaba. Historically, Bungoma County was part of Nyanza Elgon District, later renamed North Nzoia District; the area north of Nzoia River. As Bungoma town grew, gaining much benefit from easy communication, becoming a main hubs in the region, the borders were revised.

Access to its main township is easy from all directions except the northern mountain area, making it easy to tour. And of all the fetching views to be seen along Bungoma’s good network of roads, it is the series of hills and jumbo outcrops that are the most memorable, especially from the summits. Of these, the most impressive is, ​of course, Mount Elgon that dominates the northern area.

The mountain is protected by two national parks: Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda and Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya. These parks are known for their diverse ecosystems, including montane forests, bamboo zones, and alpine moorlands. Mount Elgon features a series of caves and waterfalls, including the popular Kitum Cave, known for its salt deposits that attract elephants.

At 4,321 ms the extinct volcano of Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second-highest mountain. The highest peak of Mount Elgon is Wagagai, which stands at an elevation of about 4,321 meters asl. The imposing dome of Mount Elgon, rising abruptly in the northern area, gradually levels southwards, from where the land is dotted by lofty outcrops and numerous roof pendants.

Above the cliffs bounding the mountain, the lower slopes are clothed with dense forest and cut by steep-sided river valleys. These forests supports a rich biodiversity with a variety of plant and animal species. Here too, there is a small, scattered population, most notable of the mountain dwelling Ogiek, which cultivates clearings and maintains small herds of cattle.

Contrariwise, the southern parts of Bungoma County, around Bungoma and Mumias, is typified by rock formations, notably of Sang’alo Rocks. These lower-lying region ​lies within the Lake Victoria Basin. From these lowlands, the land rises from 1,200 ms in to over 4,000 ms at Mount Elgon. 

 Salient Features of Bungoma County

  • County Number 39
  • Area – 3032 km2
  • Altitude – 5036 ft
  • Major Towns – Bungoma, Kimilili, Webuye
  • Borders – Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Busia

Touring Bungoma County a rich cultural and natural experience. Visit the local villages to experience traditional Luhya culture, including music, dance, and food. The Luhya are known for their vibrant cultural heritage. Around Bungoma County are many great spots for photography and to appreciate the nature’s beauty.

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Explore Destinations in Bungoma County

A Guide to Bungoma County



A Summa Digest of Bungoma

About Bungoma Way Back When

26 Destinations in Bungoma County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south east then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Mount Elgon National Reserve, Elephants Maternity Ward, Chepkitale Forest, Kaptama Viewpoint, Chemoge High Altitude Training Camp, Bukusu Cultural Centre, Maeni Shrine, Namunyu Cave, Daraja la Mungu, Malakisi Falls, Kabuchai Hills, Teremi Falls, Chwele Market, Muyayi Dam, Luucho Hills, Musikoma Hills, Hunters Paraside Cottages, Bungoma Sports Club, Mwibale wa Mwanja, Buteyo Miti Park, Sangalo Rocks, Chetambe Fort, Old Webuye Mills, Nabuyole Falls, Kumfunje Bridge, Mwikhupo Falls

Know More About Bungoma County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.39?

Bungoma lies is within the Lake Victoria Basin, rising from 1200 ms in the west and southwest to over 4,000 ms in the north near Mount Elgon.

What’s The Air Like In Bungoma?

Annual temperature in Busia County vary between 0°C and 32°C due to different levels of attitude, with the highest peak of Mount Elgon recording low temps., slightly less than 0°C. 

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