About Bungoma Way Back When
Brief History of Bungoma County
The origins of modern-day Bungoma town, its capital town, date back to the early 20th century, when it was established as a trading centre. It was one of the substantial “beneficiaries” of the Kenya-Uganda Railway line. Before the arrival of the rail, nothing in the form of a settlement existed, much of it modest pastoral population then scattered around the mountain and its healthful forests.
Officially, Bungoma Town was founded in 1925 with the arrival of the rail, which provided a new phase for the area. Very soon afterwards, this became a camping ground for railway workers who mainly consisted of Asians and a few Europeans.
This early communication advantage provided it impetus for the growth of its commerce and drastically hastened settlement. Prior to this, “the town was a meeting place by the Bukusu elders who used drums (engoma) to summon people to meet. It was, therefore, referred to as the place of drums by the Bukusu and Tachoni Tribes, hence the name Bungoma”.
There is a second version of the story. It says that in the early days, the area was occupied by the Bungomek, a clan of the Sabaot. The Bungomek was later driven out by the Bukusu, but the name Bungoma, echoing their occupation, remained.
outlook
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
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 Mt. Elgon – the most prominent landmark, featuring a large protected forest park.
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.
