Forest Reserves in Homa Bay
Kodera Forest: A Test of Man Versus Forest
The upland plateau in Homa Bay County, rising from Lake Victoria, starts at 1,219 m above the sea level, gaining gradually to great heights. The rise is epitomized by residual highscapes of Gwassi, Gembe, Ruri, Wire, Rangwe and Homa. Kodera forest in Kasipul and Kanyamwa escarpment – running along the boundary of Ndhiwa and Suba North – also form part of the upland plateau. Kodera forest is situated 38 km south-east of Homa Bay town via C20 Homa Bay-Rodi Kopany-Rongo and C18 Kopany-Rangwe-Oyugis Road. From Oyugis it is 10 km away.
Forming a fetching roadside attraction, Kodera forest covers just over 703 hectares. The forest border are particularly delineated, occuring in an area of increasing population pressure. At an altitude of between 1250 to 2000 ms asl, Kodera forest has a varied topography, the vegetal profile consisting of closed indigenous trees, grasslands, planted na dopens forest. The omens are that the area surrounding area is densely populated and intensively used for farming.
There is widespread dependence on the forest by the local people who obtain livelihood by harvesting firewood and medicine plants. They also use the forest grassland as grazing grounds. To add to its perils are the ever-rampant incidences of logging, charcoal burning, encroachment of forest lands for crop cultivation and settlement. It safe to say that anthropogenic activities currently pose the biggest threat. Today Kodera forest stands at one of the fragmented forests in Kenya
If the above had not already lend a touch-and-go future for Kodera forest, it has also gained notoriety as the ‘forest of death’. And while the forest had stood here for as a long as people have, its recent use as a slaying and dumping foreboding place has put the fear of god among the locals. And while they love trees and appreciate the many benefits that come with water towers, the forest is turning out to be a haunted abode. They are torn between supporting its protection and pushing for its destruction because it has become a looming security threat.
Still and all, Kodera forest is beautiful dense forest, and, sadly, an underutilized attraction of Homa Bay County. It is small enough to explore without too much difficulty. Its moderate terrain and firm underfoot make it a great place for nature lovers. It has two important features, a river and a road, that pass through the forest to boot. Set back a kilometre or two off the C18 Rodi Kopany-Rangwe-Oyugis Road it is easily accessible, from either direction – Oyugis and Homa Bay.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
outlook
Located in the western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is known for its scenic landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. Touring Homa Bay County allows you to immerse yourself in a part of Kenya’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and immersive historical heritage that rarely gets under the limelight.
You Are Here: Kodera Forest
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Kodera Forest
A Guide to Homa Bay County
A Summa Digest of Homa Bay
About Homa Bay Way Back When
48 Destinations in Homa Bay County, arranged as one would visit these - southeast, north then west - with aid of narratives, strip maps and distance chart:
Sondu Miriu Hydro Station, Old Kendu Bay Town, Olmak Beah Resort, Kendu Adventist Gendia, Lake Simbi Nyaima, Ondago Swamp National Sanctuary, Kisindi Lodge and Spa, Homa Hills, Abundu Hot Springs, Bala Lawi Hot Springs, Kanjera Prehistoric Site, Kanam Prehistoric Site, Asego and Kasarua Hills, Homa Bay Town, Asumbi Catholic Church, Asumbi Resort, Kodera Forest, Ruri Hills, Soklo Kipenji, BJs Ranch, Mbita Point, Victoria Sands Lodge, Gembe Hills, Mbita Ferry, Rusinga Island, Rusinga Island Lodge, Tom Mboya Mausoleum, White Stone Beach Resort, Rusinga Island Festival, Ngodhe Island, Kasawanga Village, Mfangano Island, Mfangano Island Lodge, Mawanga Rock Art, Kwitone Rock Art, Abasuba Peace Museum, Siambi Resort, Takawiri Island, Ringiti Island, Mbasa Islands, Gwassi Hills, Lambwe Valley, Ruma National Park, KWS Obiri Guest House, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Nyamugondho Shrine, Gor Mahia Shrine
Know More About Homa Bay County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Homa Bay is split into two main eco-zones; lakeshore lowlands and upland plateau. The lakeshore lowlands lie between 1,163 and 1,219 ms, with a long stretch bordering Lake Victoria along the north.
Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18oC to 33oC, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year.
