Kakamega County

Kakamega County is one of the 47 counties in the Republic of Kenya. The headquarters of Kakamega County is Kakamega town. The county borders Vihiga County to the south, Siaya County to the West, Bungoma County to the North and Nandi County to the East. It covers an area of 3050.3 Km2.

The county has a population of 1,660,651 according to the 2009 census figures. It lies 50km north of Kisumu.  The county has seven administrative divisions: Kabras, Shinyalu, Navakholo, Lurambi, lkolomani,  lleho and Municipality. The county lies within an  altitude of  250-2000m. The average temperature in the county is 22.50 C most of the year. Local inhabitants are mostly Maragoli of the Luhya tribe, whose economic activity is mainly farming.

Kenya’s largest sugar producing company, Mumias Sugar is located in Mumias within the county. Kakamega gold rush occurred in the early 1930s, fueled partly by the reports of the geologist Albert Ernest Kitson. Kakamega was also a major filming location in the box office blockbuster “Ernest Saves Christmas” starring Jim Varney.

Kakamega County Map

Kakamega County Map

Kakamega County Government Structure

Kakamega County Map Court of Arms

Kakamega county Governor and Deputy Governor

HE Hon Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya

Wycliffe Oparanya was born on March 25, 1956. He is a Kenyan politician and the governor for Kakamega county. He is a member of Orange Democratic Movement and a coalition member of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy. Read more about the Governor

Prof. Philip Kutima

Prof. Philip Kutima has an MSc and PhD in Science. He has taught at Egerton University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology. His academic careerspans more than 22 years.Red more about the deputy governor

Kakamega County Assembly

The Kakamega County assembly is consist of sixty elected members and twenty seven nominated members. Read more

Constituencies in Kakamega County

1. Lugari Constituency
2. Lukuyani Constituency
3. Malava Constituency
4. Alurambi Constituency
5. Navakholo Constituency
6. Mumias Constituency
7. Mumias East Constituency
8. Matungu Constituency
9. Butere Constituency
10. Khwisero Constituency
11. Sinyalu Constituency
12. Ikolomani Constituency

Kakamega County Wards

Details about Kakamega County Wards will be updated soon…

Kakamega County Tenders

Kakamega county tenders are awarded in a free, fair and transparency manner in the need to fight corruption in the country.

To access tenders in Kakamega county click the link: http://www.kakamega.go.ke/tenders-and-notices for the latest job opportunities in the county.

Kakamega County Jobs

Kakamega County Jobs opportunities for all qualified personnel and those who would wish to work with Kakamega County government. Jobs in Kakamega County are posted on the county website.

Jobs in Kakamega County are awarded in a free, fair and transparency manner in the need to fight corruption in the country.

To access these Kakamega county jobs advertisement click the link http://www.kakamega.go.ke/jobs for the latest job opportunities in the county.

 Facts About Kakamega County

Kakamega County is located in Western Kenya bordering Bungoma to the North, Trans Nzoia to the North East, Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties to the East, Vihiga to the South, Siaya to the South West and Busia to the West.
Area (Km 2): 3,224.9 Km 2
Climate/Weather: Temperatures range from a minimum of 10.3°C to a maximum of 30.8°C with an average of 20.5°C. The rainfall ranges between 1,250 – 1,750 mm per annum
Road Network: Bitumen Surface (Data Not available) Gravel Surface (323.8 Km) Earth Surface (2,67.3 Km)
 Key National Monument(s): None

Kakamega County Population

Population: 1,660,651 (Male – 48%, Female – 52 %)
 Population Density: 515 people per Km 2
National Percentage:  4.3 %
 Annual Growth Rate: 2.12
 Age Distribution: 0-14 years (46.6 %), 15-64 years (49.7 %), 65+ years (3.6 %)
 Number of Households: 398,709

Kakamega County Government

 County Capital:  Kakamega Town (proposed)
 Number of Constituencies (2010): 9 (Lugari, Mumias, Matungu, Lurambi, Shinyalu, Ikolomani, Malava, Butere, Khwisero)
 Registered Voters: 602,950
 National percentage: 4.8 %
 Number of Districts (2009): 6 (Kakamega North (Malava), Kakamega Central (Lurambi), Kakamega South (Ikolomani), Kakamega East (Shinyalu), Butere and Mumias.
 Number of Local Authorities (2010): 8 (Municipal Council of Kakamega and Mumias, County Councils of Kakamega, Butere-Mumias, Town Council of Malava)

 Economy of Kakamega County

Poverty Level: 57% (Rural & Urban)
 Age Dependency Ratio: 100:101
 Resources:  Gold, Arable Land, Forests
Tourist Attractions: Kakamega Forest, Caves, Crying Stone of Ilesi
 Financial Services: 5 Commercial Banks, 3 Micro-finance
 Main Economic Activities/industries: Large-Scale Sugarcane Farming, Mixed Farming, Commercial businesses, ‘Boda- Boda’ Transport business
 Agricultural products: Maize, Beans, Millet, Sugarcane, Tea, Dairy Products Sunflower, Soyabeans

 Education in Kakamega County

 Number of Institutions (2007): Primary (460), Secondary (145)
 Primary: Enrolment (219,734)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1: 51 (Public Schools)
 Secondary: Enrolment (18,320)
 Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1:26 (Public Schools)
 Tertiary: More than 12 Institutions
Adult Literacy Classes: Enrolment (Over 312)

 Health in Kakamega County

Health Facilities: 214 – Provincial General Hospital (1), District Hospitals (4), Sub-District Hospitals (7), Dispensaries (101), Health Centres (40), Medical Clinics (43), Nursing Homes (10), Maternity Homes (1), Others (7)
 Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:14, 246
 Infant Mortality Rates: 63.9/1000
 Under Five Mortality Rates: 122.5/1000
 Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Diarrhoea, Skin Diseases, Respiratory Tract Infections
 Notable Hospitals: Kakamega Provincial General Hospital, Butere, Iguhu, Malava, and Lumakanda District Hospitals

Geography, Climate and Weather of Kakamega County

The two main ecological zones in the county are the Upper Medium (UM) and the Lower Medium (LM). The UM covers the central and southern parts of the county wherel intensive farming of maize, bean and horticulture is carried out by small scale farmers with a section of the population practicing large scale farming. The Lower Medium (LM) zone, covers a major portion of the northern part of the county where the main economic activity is sugarcane farming.

The annual rainfall range is between 2214.1mm and 1280.1 mm per year. This rainfall is evenly distributed all year round, with March and July receiving heavy rains while December and February receives light rains. The temperatures range is between 180 C and 290C. The hottest months are November, December, January and February. Other months have relatively higher and similar temperatures. The county has an average humidity of 67%. Kakamega County has a natural forest covering Shinyalu and Lurambi while other farm forests have been integrated with agriculture. It has one gazetted and one non-gazetted forest which occupy 188.7ha, and 26.5ha respectively. The gazetted natural forest covers an approximate area of 188.7 km2. The non-gazetted forests cover an approximate area of 26.5 km2. Commercial forests are found in the northern parts of the county.

The altitude of the county is between 1,240 metres and 2,000 metres above sea level.

Economic Activities in Kakamega County

Agriculture

The main crops grown in Kakamega County are sugarcane, maize, beans, cassava, finger millet, sweet potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, tea and sorghum. Maize meal forms the staple food for the county. Maize and sugarcane are generally grown in large scale while beans, millets and sorghum are grown on small scales on the other hand maize, tea and sugarcane are the main cash crops grown in the County.

The livestock bred in the County is cattle; which is being reared by 53.2 percent of the population. Another 22.2 percent, 11.2 percent, and 1.7 percent of the population rear sheep, goats and pigs respectively. Chicken rearing is pre-dominant with 92 per cent of the households keeping them while 0.7 per cent keeps donkeys. About 19.15million litres of milk are produced annually while 364,000kg of beef is also produced per year.

Mining

The county mines 592,941 tons of murram, 278,000 tons of sand, 51,968 tons of ballast, and 148,920 tons of hard-core every year. About 80,271 people in the county are engaged in mining and related activities. There is also a section of the community that is engaged in small scale gold mining.

Transport in Kakamega County

The county has a total of 3500 km road network of which 260 km is of bituminous standard while gravel surface covers 1,701.7 km and the earth surface covers 1389.3 km. Most roads in the county are not passable although a number of sub-counties have made efforts to have all of them regularly maintained. A number of government and other stakeholders have tried to ensure that the roads are in good state. The current government agencies include KeNHA, KeRRA, KURA, county government and the national government.On the other hand, there are other major non-state actors involved in road maintenance including sugar companies i.e Mumias Sugar,West Kenya Sugar Company

There are 30 km of railway line with two railway stations; however, they are rarely used due to frequent vandalism. The county has two air strips, one in Kakamega and the other in Mumias.

 Tourists Attractions in Kakamega County

There are forests which are home to indigenous trees, large species of birds, butterflies, monkeys, snakes, baboons, hares, and rabbits also provide a tourism attraction in the region, and research sites for a number of institutions in the country. Other attractive activities include bull fighting and cock fighting. The crying stone in Elesi and the preserved ancient Wanga Kingdom in Mumias attract a number of people to the county.

Kakamega Forest – ‘Canopy of natural beauty’

Category: Tourist Attractions in Kakamega County

Kakamega Forest Reserve, in Shinyalu Division of Kakamega District, is a world famous equatorial rainforest  known for its diversity of bird and insect life. Its uniqueness makes conservation its top priority. A visit to the forest will give you a feel of what the Amazon looks like.

The forest is a natural wonder that has a large variety of indigenous trees as well as species of different animals and bird life. This rain forest, which is the only one in Kenya, covers 240 km and has many different types of plants and species of butterflies, many of which can only be found here.

The indigenous Mysopsis Eminee, locally known as Mama Mutere, has a multitude of medicinal qualities that are believed to help cure ailments such as prostate cancer and stomach aches. The timber is very valuable and consequently, this tree has become an endangered species over the years. The climate is very wet with over 200 -700mm of rain annually.

Major Attractions

1. Birdwatching: over 300 bird species, the common one being the Blue Turaco.
2. Butterfly watching: over 400 species of butterflies.
3. Massive trees, scenic spots and waterfalls: over 350 species of trees, the forest holds mostly indigenous vegetation. A V
4. Snakes: 27 species of snakes.
5. Primates watching: home to debrazza ‘monkey and other primates.
6. Wildlife: bush pig, duikers, bushbuck, clawless, otter, mongoose, giant water shrew, squirrels, tree pangolin, porcupine, bats and primates.

For more information visit: Kakamega Forest National Reserve

lkhonga Murwi – (Weeping Stone Of llesi)

Category: Tourist Attractions in Kakamega County

The legendary Weeping Stone of Maragoli, located at llesi along Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, is connected with many legends and myths. This is a huge rock from which a constant stream of water cascades. It is associated with a good harvest.

Top Best Accommodation and Hotels in Kakamega County

Lumo Blues

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Lumo blues is a guest house situated ten minutes drive from Kakamega airstripin kakamega , Kenya. The onsite restaurant serves african dishes and a complementary breakfast every morning.

For more information visit: Lumo Blues

Western Star Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Western star hotel is a modernised budget friendly hotel located at the heart of Kakamega town. It is closely located near Kakamega Airstrip and the famous Muliro Gardens.The onsite restaurant is famous for serving exquisite local dishes and a buffer breakfast.

For more information visit: Western star hotel

Hotel rastopark

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Hotel rastopark is a luxurious hotel situated at the heart of Busia Town, next to busia Police Station.The onsite restaurant is famous for serving exquisite african dishes and a comprimentaly breakfast every morning. The hotel offers conference services.

For more information visit: Hotel rastopark

Malava K Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Malava K Hotel is a modernised hotel located in malava area kakamega town close to educational facilities and trading centers thus making it an ideal destination for business travelers.The hotel has variety of facilities such as a swimming pool, kinds play ground,gym and conference hall.

For more information visit: Malava (K) Hotel

Royal Hotel Kakamega

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Royal hotel is situated in Mumias kenya, 3km from the Mumias sugar company and 20km away from Mwitoti facility center.The onsite restaurant offers local meals while the bar serves soft/alcoholic drinks. Complimentary breakfast is served daily.

For more information visit: Royal Hotel Kakamega

Franka Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Franka Hotel is a budget friendly located in Kakamega,kenya. the onsite restaurant serves delicious african dishes and different variety of wine.A complimentary breakfast is offered every morning.

For more information visit: Franka Hotel

Jamindas Paradise Motel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Jamindas paradise is a budget friendly hotel located off Kakamega Mumias Road.The hotel has variety of facilities such as a swimming pool, kinds play ground,gym and conference hall.

For more information visit: Jamindas paradise motel

Kakamega Friends Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Kakamega friends hotel is a budget friendly hotel located off Kakamega-Mumias Road.The hotel has variety of facilities such as a swimming pool, kinds play ground,gym and conference hall.

For more information visit: Kakamega Friends Hotel

Ambwere Alliance Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kakamega County

Ambwere Alliance hotel Ltd is a hotel located off Kisumu-kakamega Road in Busia County. It is situated in a fun neighborhood close to the road for ease of movement and in a social center with attractive cites to visit and a good and calming view.

For more information visit: Ambwere Alliance Hotel

Kakamega Golf Hotel

Category: Kakamega Hotels

Kakamega golf hotel is located in a plush area of Kakamega town next to Golf Course and is just a short distance from Kakamega forest. It takes approximately half an hour drive from Kisumu Airport to the hotel and with an arrangement the Hotel van is available at a fee. They have a restaurant, offer accomodation and have a swimming pool.

For more information visit: Kakamega Golf Hotel

Kamadep Guest House

Category: Kakamega Hotels in Kakamega County

Kamadep guest house is located behind Ambwere complex. There are approximately 70 rooms , they have large and well decorated conferencing walls for meeting. They have a restaurant that offer local and international meals.

For more information visit: Kamadep Guest House

Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral and Animation Centre

Category: Kakamega Hotels in Kakamega County

Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral and Animation Centre is located in Kakamega county, Kenya. It is situated 11.1 km to the crying stone of Ilesi and 20.3 km from Kakamega National Park. It was built specifically to serve christian lodgers.

For more information visit: Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral and Animation Centre

Diamond Rock Resort and Guest House

Category: Kakamega Hotels in Kakamega County

Diamond Rock Resort and Guest House is located at Kakamega town, Kenya. They offer accomodation, have an onsite restaurant and an onsite parking. There is also free WiFi.

For more information visit: Diamond Rock Resort and Guest House

Westgate Hotel Limited

Category: Kakamega Hotels in Kakamega County

Westgate Hotel Limited is located on Mumias Bungoma Road in Mumias, Kenya. The hotel is 500m away from Mumias Cultural Centre and 32 km away from Kakamega Town. Free WiFi is provided for all guests.

For more information visit: Westgate Hotel Limited.

Saffi Guest House

Category: Kakamega Hotels in Kakamega County

Saffi Guest House is a budget friendly hotel located in Mumias, Kenya.The guest house is ideal for people travelling on transit or short budget. The hotel is strategically located near trading and business centers.

For more information visit: Saffi Guest House

Other Hotels in Kakamega Town Kenya

1. Ambwere Alliance Hotel Description and Contacts
2. Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral and Animation Centre
3. Diamond Rock Resort and Guest House
4. Franka Hotel Kakamega Description and Contacts
5. Golf Hotel – Kakamega Kenya
6. Hotel Rastopark Description and Contacts
7. Jamindas Paradise Motel Description, Services and Contacts
8. Kakamega Friends Hotel
9. Kakamega golf hotel Description, Facilities, Contacts and Photos
10. Kakamega Hotels – Accommodation and Hotels in Kakamega Town Kenya
11. Kakamega Sports Club – Kakamega Kenya
12. Kamadep Guest House Description, Services, Contacts
13. KEEP, lsacheno Bandas and Campsite – Kakamega Kenya Description and Image
14. lsukuti Houses – Kakamega Kenya Description and Image
15. Lumo Blues Description, Services and Contacts
16. Malava K Hotel Description and Contacts
17. Rondo Retreat – Kakamega Kenya
18. Royal Hotel Kakamega Description and Contacts
19. Saffi Guest House Description and Contacts
20. Sheywe Centre – Kakamega Kenya
21. Siaya Guest House – Kakamega Kenya
22. Westgate Hotel Limited Description and Contacts

Kakamega County News

For news about Kakamega County visit the official website for detailed information

Kakamega County Contacts

Postal Address: P.O. Box 36 – 50100 Kakamega, Kenya

Email: info@kakamega.go.ke
Telephone: 0562031850/0562031852/0562031853

Departmental Contacts

Ministry of Water, Environment, & Natural Resources
Minister’s Office Phone: 0202000652
Chief Officer’s Office Phone: 0202000656
Email: environment@kakamega.go.ke

Kakamega County Website

Website:  http://www.kakamega.go.ke/

Kakamega County Video