About Kisii

Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Kisii County

Geography of Kisii County

Generally speaking, Kisii County is a hilly country, amply sloping steep and devoid of flat sweeps, with numerous ridges and valleys – a result of volcanic activity in the Rift Valley region. The blessings of the ancient tectonic activity of the latter is that Kisii County is end-to-end an elevated highland with fertile soils, and goodly agricultural output. Topographically situated on the famed Gusii Highlands, which are part of the larger Lake Victoria Basin, Kisii County is, thanks to its elevation in altitude, far removed from the balmy climate of its low-lying surrounding regions.

Covering just 1,317 km2 in area, Kisii County is compact, the 6th smallest in Kenya, yet, its is ecologically healthful. It’s area can be split into three main topographical zones: The first cover areas lying below 1,500 ms asl. in the western region like Suneka and Nyamarambe; The second covering the area between 1,500 to 1,800 ms asl. in the western to central areas including Keumbu and Sameta, Eastern Marani and Gucha River basin; and the third zone covers areas lying above 1,800 ms asl. in the eastern and southern areas of Keumbu, Masaba and in Mosocho.

Land Use in Kisii County

The land holders in Kisii are estimated at 135,000 of mainly farmers engaged in mixed farming. Farm holdings are compact, ranging from 0.2 ha to 2.1 ha. The small size of land holdings is due to high population pressure and the cultural practice of subdivision (for each son in the family to inherit a portion). These subdivisions have affected agriculture, since high potential land is converted to residential land. The main crops produced in Kisii County are: maize, bananas, beans, potatoes, tea, sugarcane, coffee and horticultural crops. The area under cash crops in Kisii is about 17,800 ha while that under food-crop is 72,100 ha.

Highlights in Kisii County

There are a handful potential tourist attraction sites in Kisii County, to include: Tabaka Soapstone, River Gucha, selected forests, and agro tourism agro-tourism among others, but all need to be better exploited. Owing to the high population density in the county, almost all the land is put to full farm use, almost completely displacing wildlife. Only a few wild animals like porcupines, ant bears, monkeys, snakes and diversified species of birds live in the bushy river valleys. Kisii County has two tourist class hotels. However, there are a number of hotels which offer varying services. Among the favoured resorts are Ufanisi and Dados, within the Kisii town and Nyakoe, Sameta Lodge, and Itibo Resort, outside of the township.

Population in Kisii County

Kisii’s population density in 2012 was 939 people/km2. The population density ranges from 800 in Nyaribari Masaba to 1,344 in Kitutu Chache. Based on the 2009 Population and Housing Census Report, Kisii’s population was 1,152,282, projected at 1,236,996 in 2012, and 1,367,049 in 2017. The total population of the major town centres was 125,241 in 2009, and this was projected to reach 132,982 by 2012, and 146,968 by 2017. Kisii town, its capital and largest, has the largest population. Other major towns in Kisii are Keroka, Suneka, Ogembo and Tabaka. The poverty level in Kisii County is placed at 51% compared with the national poverty index of 43.8% and life expectancy in the County is opined at 56 years.

Airports in Kisii County

Kisii County has one airstrip at Suneka in Bonchari Sub-County which requires reconditioning to facilitate air transport but it is within proximity to the Kisumu Airport and Homabay Airstrip, making it relatively accessible by road and air.

Roads in Kisii County

The bitumenized roads pass through main urban hubs including Kisii, Ogembo, Keroka, Nyamache, Gesusu, Keumbu, Nyamarambe, Marani, Kenyenya and Suneka. Due to high rainfall and the hilly terrain in the County, there is need to tarmac more roads and better the rural access roads to make them accessible.

Climate in Kisii County

Kisii County exhibits a pleasant highland equatorial climate, with adequate a bi-modal rainfall pattern of 1,500mm annually. The long rains are between March and June while the short rains are received from September to November; with the months of January and July being fairly drier. Cool year-round, the maximum temperatures in Kisii County range between 21° and 30° Celsius, while the minimum temperatures range between 15°C and 20°Celcius. Generally, its high and relatively liable rains year-round is accompanied by moderate temperatures.

National Monuments in Kisii County

There are no designated national monuments in Kisii County

Kisii County is a vibrant region with a strong agrarian base, rich cultural heritage, and a growing economy. Continued development in infrastructure, with smooth blacktop connecting major towns and rural areas, has made it accessible from all directions. Kisii County’s scenic hills, waterfalls, cottage industries and modern hotels offer opportunities for visiting a region erstwhile relegated as agrarian.