The Abaluhya Enclave

A Summa Digest of Kakamega County

Bounded by the Equator, Nandi Scarp and its highland crest, and Maragoli Hills, in Western Kenya, Kakamega County is well-known for its verdant-scapes, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Altitudes vary from about 4,200 ft. in the west to over 7,000 ft. in the east, on top of Nandi Scarp, but the climate may be said to be equable over the whole area. Rainfall is adequate and well distributed, with the highest averages tending to be found in the central forested portion of the county.

There are three major rivers in Kakamega County’s drainage system – Nzoia, Yala and the Kibos. Of these, the Nzoia, with its major tributaries of Lusumu, Sioka and Feradzi, is by far the largest. The area as a whole is thickly populated and heavily cultivated except in the Forest Reserves and the Nandi Reserve. As per the 2019 census, Kakamega County had an estimated population of 1.87 million, making it Kenya’s most populous county. The Luhya community is the largest ethnic group in Kakamega, with sub-groups such as the Isukha, Idakho, Kabras, and Wanga.

Kakamega Forest and its outlying forest fragments, Malava, Kisere, Buyangu, Isecheno I and II, Ikuywa, Yala and Kaimosi, have ascendancy over any touring colloquies of Kakamega County. These forests blocks, in the central and eastern area, were established between 1908 and 1930, with the Government recognizing the need to preserve them. Relatively intact, yet far-removed from the chimera depictions as salubriously intact, these forests, collectively dubbed Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, are unique exhibition of floral richness and natural beauty.

The most famous, Kakamega Forest National Reserve, is a prime destination in Kenya. Earning its place at the top among the must-see destinations in Western Kenya, its biodiversity bears much more resemblance to the rainforests of Central and West Africa more than any other montane forest found in East Africa. It offers an exciting prospect for nature-lovers to traverse this splendorous closed canopy forest which exhibits a high level of endemism in both flora and fauna. 10-20% of its species are considered to be endemic and holds innumerable varieties of flora.

Excepting Kakamega Forest and its associated outlying forest blocks, the whole of Kakamega County, one of the most elevated highland plateaus in Kenya, is thickly populated and heavily cultivated. So, too, is its kin next-door neighbour of Vihiga County, once part of the defunct Kakamega District. The land itself unfolds north and west of Kakamega Forest as a slightly undulating peneplain with yielding soils and year round rainfall that supports a thriving farming industry, notably of sugar cane. Her otherwise moderate hillocks are originated by the river action of Nzoia, Yala, Kisos, Lusumu and Lairi that have over eons eroded the formerly flat plateau.

Even with 80% (2,512 km2) of Kakamega’s land being under cultivation, 61% of this is largely under subsistence crop and livestock farming owing to unbridled sub-division of land into small acreages. In the western region of Kakamega County, around Wanga, Mumias, Butere and Matungu, farmers have continually devoted large parts of their farms for cultivation of sugarcane. Over-reliance on sugarcane farming has left the local economy at risk to the challenges faced by the industry.

Kakemega County is strategically wedged between Vihiga County, in the south, Busia and Siaya Counties, in the west, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties, in the north, Uasin Gishu County, in the north-east and Nandi County, in the east, which are agricultural big-wheels. Kakamega County has 12 sub-counties, including Lugari, Likuyani, Navakholo, Malava, Shinyalu, and Khwisero. The principal line of communication is the A1 Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye Road which travels across the eastern half through Mukumu, Kakamega (the principal town) and Malava.

At Webuye there is an alternative of two route, one heading east to Eldoret and one heading west to Malaba through Bungoma. Granted that Kakamega is one of the most densely populated Counties of Kenya, it is also one of the most culturally diverse, and no remarks about it would be complete with an omission of its folks. As we now know, the Luhya community is the largest ethnic group in Kakamega, and their Isukuti dance, accompanied by the same-name traditional drum and dance performance, is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Salient Features of Kakamega County

• County Number 37
• Area – 3034 km2
• Altitude – 5036 ft
• Major Towns – Kakamega, Mumias
• Borders – Vihiga, Siaya, Bungoma, Nandi

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Kakamega County remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s cultural and ecological diversity, with its vibrant traditions, economic activities, and natural beauty making it a critical part of the nation’s heritage. Smack in the middle of Western Kenya, enjoying a temperate climate, Kakemega is both populous and vibrant.

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A Guide to Kakamega County



A Summa Digest of Kakamega

About Kakamega Way Back When

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

Mwikhupo Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Mawe Tatu Hills, Kakamega National Reserve, Isukuti Guest House, Udo Bandas, Isiukhu Falls, Lirhanda Cave, Busambuli Lodge, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kambiri Hill, Mukai Stone Cave, Savona Isle Resort, Rondo Retreat Centre, Yala Nature Reserve, Nandi Escarpment, Lamanis Haven, The Golf Hotel, Kakamega Sports Club, MMUST Botanical Garden, Muliro Gardens, Rosterman Gold Mines, Shilahi Garden, Ikhongo Murwi, Ilesi Pottery Centre, Malinya Stadium, Nabongo Cultural Centre, Hamptons City

Know More About Kakamega County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

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