Kakamega

Kakamega is a city of around 100,000 inhabitants in the Nyanza province in Western Kenya. It's a common starting point for trips to the nearby Kakamega Rainforest.

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 particular, are cultivated on a large scale. The area around Kakamega, Bungoma and Mumias has been one of the country's most important agricultural centres for decades, shaping the economic life of the entire region. However, Kakamega is especially famous for its forest: The Kakamega Forest is Kenya's only tropical rainforest, and the last remnant of the vast Congolese rainforest ecosystem. The rapidly growing modern town owes much of its renown to the forest. As well as football, the region is also known for its traditional bullfights. These events have a long tradition, particularly in places like Malinya near Kakamega, and continue to attract numerous visitors.

Kisumu Airport, 50 km away, is the most convenient. It has flights from the capital Nairobi and Mombasa.

• 0.2853434.754911 Bus station (Kisumu and Nairobi bus station), Chilli Park.  

Kakamega is served by three bus companies:

• Coast Bus, ☏ + 254 722 206453 (Kakamega ticket sales), + 254 20 24519000 (general number). Cities served: Bungoma, Kakamega, Kaimosi, Kisumu, Kitui, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Voi 
• Easy Coach, ☏ + 254 20 2210711 (general number), + 254 738 200313 (Kakamega ticket sales). Cities served: Bungoma, Busia, Eldoret, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Kitui, Malaba, Maseno, Mumias, Nairobi, Nakuru, Sirare, Siaya, Rongo, Usenge, Mbale and Kampala (Uganda). On Facebook. 
• Modern Coast, ☏ + 254 726 978852 (mobile phone). Cities served: Bungoma, Busia, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Malaba, Malindi, Migori, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Voi, Webuye, Dar es Salaam and Tanga (Tanzania), Kampala (Uganda) 

From Kisumu it's a 50 km drive along the Jomo Kenyatta Highway (route 1) towards Kakamega and Webuye, taking about 45 minutes. Eldoret is 105 km or two hours away, drive along route 104 almost to Webuye, and continue along the route 1 towards Kakamega and Kisumu.

Map of Kakamega

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.

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

• 0.285934.756111 Naivas. 08:00-20:00.  (updated May 2026)
• 0.2828834.754872 Quick mart. 08:00-20:00.  (updated May 2026)

• 0.28338334.7502051 Franky Grill, Off Kakamega-Mumias Road, ☏ + 254 722 748131 (mobile phone), [email protected]. Barbecue restaurant, with a view to the kitchen.  

• 0.2844434.7526611 Hush Club & Lounge, Canon Awori Street, ☏ + 254 722 178674 (mobile phone), [email protected]. 24h every day. Bar and disco.  

• 0.29113434.754931 Sheywe Guest House, Off Kisumu-Webuye Road (right before Holden mall), ☏ + 254 56 30320.  
• 0.28739134.7559412 Kakamega Guest House, Off Kisumu-Webuye Road (next to the market), ☏ + 254 710 548388 (mobile phone), [email protected]. Rooms with bathrooms. Parking for 50 cars.  
• 0.28667534.7565533 Ambwere Alliance, Kisumu-Webuye Road, ☏ + 254 56 31358, fax: + 254 56 31358.  
• 0.28393934.7550744 ^{[formerly dead link]} Siaya Guest House, Kisumu-Webuye Road, ☏ + 254 733 614010 (mobile phone), [email protected]. 40 rooms. Bar, restaurant and two conference rooms. Guarded parking. KES 3000-8000, including breakfast.  
• 0.280834.75595 Golf Hotel, Khasakhala Road (towards the airport), ☏ + 254 56 30150, + 254 728 833974 (mobile phone), [email protected]. Free Wi-Fi. 56 standard rooms and 2 suites with balcony. Bar and restaurant with local and international cuisine. Guarded parking. On Facebook. 100-205 USD, depending on room.  

• 0.29834.7891 Kakamega Rainforest (Kakamega Forest National Reserve), ☏ + 254 56 30603 (mobile phone), [email protected]. Kenya's last primeval rainforest.  
• 0.24060634.7556132 Ilesi Crying Stone. A 40 metre high rock and one of several "crying stones" in the region. They got their name from the fact that they are always wet at the base, even during dry periods.