Historic Towns in Homa Bay
Old Kendu Bay: A Western Movie Set
Near Kendu Bay town, 23 km west from Sondu Miriu, one may be interested in making a quick detour to swing over to the relic Old Kendu Bay town. Now just a deserted row of dukas, it has an uncanny resemblance to a classic western movie set. And the desertion completes the ghostly, bizarre situation of abandonment.
A walk through the town is all but busy, leaving one to imagine what life must have been in the 1950’s to 1980’s when it was lively and high-spirited. At it peak, unusually close to its winding up, many Indians run busy supply shops here. The old town has an uncommonplace network of tarmac road stretching towards the lake. It also has an old pier where steamships docked as recently as the late 1970s.
Kendu Bay pier, however, permanently stopped operating in the early 1980’s, as the hyacinth – an invasive genus of bulbous herbs, spring-blooming perennials – paralyzed transport, which began the downfall of Old Kendu Bay Town. A few other factors contributed to the relocation of the township, including the influence of the Adventist Church and the prompt enmasse exit of Asian traders. Leaving the locals, to their own devices, to figure out how to run the economy of the area.
The final nail in the coffin was the paving of C19 Kendu Bay-Homa Bay Road between 1971 and 1974. By design and sheer unconcern, it completely bypassed Old Kendu Bay town. Alas, with the new blacktop grew a new town, which was built further from the Lake. Everyone moved and never returned!. Today, the rusty iron sheet roofs, the falling stones from the walls, the empty streets, the bushy pier, abandoned market and open fields are what define the old Kendu Bay town.
Historic towns around the world offer a glimpse into the past, preserving architecture, culture, and stories from different eras. In Kenya, some of the oldest towns are found along the coast, where medieval trade put on the map long before developments in the hinterland. Among these is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Swahili architecture and cultural traditions.
Index of Relic & Historic Towns Around Kenya
Baringo County - Tambach, Homa Bay County - Old Kendu Bay Town, Isiolo County - Isiolo Town, Garba Tula, Kilifi County - Old Town Takaungu, Mambrui, Kwale County - Old Town Vanga, Vumba Kuu, Kwale, Lamu County - Lamu Old Town, Witu, Shela, Faza, Manda, Mandera County - El Wak, Migori County - Awendo-Sori, Mombasa County - Old Town Mombasa, Nyandarua County - Njabini town, Samburu County - Archer's Post, Tana River County - Old Town Kipini, Wajir County - Old Town Wajir
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: Old Kendu Bay Town
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Explore Destinations Nearby Old Kendu Bay Town
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.
