Nyakwana Falls

Waterfalls in Kisii County

Nyakwana or Cliff Ombachi Falls

Although Nyakwana Falls lies just over the border in Kisii County, it is equidistant from either Kisii town in Kisii County or Keroka in Nyamira County; distance 19 km. This makes it an easy launch for the B3 Sotik-Kisii-Keroka motorist, from either direction. To get to Nyakwana Falls, also known as Keera or Cliff Ombachi Falls, you leave the B3 Road at the middle-town of Keumbu, towards the same-title village of Keera, passing St. Peter’s Keera Secondary School. It is reached without too much difficulty along the good motorable road that is usable year-round.

Nyakwana Falls is in beautiful scenery. Untainted, with a rich history. Based on its formation, water flow, and surroundings, its could be best described as a sheet falls, resembling a sheet of water, having a wide flow of water with a relatively small height drop. What Nyakwana Falls lacks in elevation is made up for by a calm bucolic setting, isolated from civilization and the village calisthenics of farming. “On a normal day, love birds troop hand in hand, whispering words of the heart to each other as locals come with their fishing rods for the day’s catch”.

There’s more to Nyakwana Falls, which becomes immediately apparent when the youngest at heart arrive. With safety and potential hazards scoped-out by many over the years, Nyakwana Falls is a tried and tested delightful and refreshing local swimming spot. Remarkably, during pre-independence Kenya, it was a first-rate leisure spot for both settlers and locals to swim and bask. Sadly, its potential was never fully realised, and its glory days faded fast. In time, it became a protected area and served as a leisure spot, thanks to a local tea company in Matunwa.

This, however, did not lead to much development around Nyakwana Falls. The only modish-semblance are disused concrete tanks, which did not serve the residents for long as the taps ran dry soon after the project was abandoned. To add to the pitfalls are the more recent groves of Eucalyptus trees. A proven menace to riverine systems, which have appreciably diminished water levels here. This, mingled with the effects of a warming planet and the ticking population boom, has blown an air of trepidation about the future of Nyakwana Falls.

A plan to put up a hydroelectric power plant at Nyakwana Falls in the last years of the last century did not materialize either! But all is not lost. At the last, Lake Victoria South Water Services Board has stepped up execution of water projects to improve utilization of the Nyakwana Falls. Of a recent development, Matunwa Hydropower Limited is developing a 1.7 MW hydropower plant at the site. This new venture, with a community ownership model where financial returns benefit the residents, is an expectedly good outcome. This project, they hope, will raise awareness of Nyakwana Falls and its potential as an easy launch attraction.

Touring waterfalls in Kenya offers a refreshing and adventurous experience, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty. Each waterfall – many still little known – provides a unique and memorable experience, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the opportunity to connect with nature

Index of Waterfalls Around Kenya



Baringo County - Simot Falls, Kikojo Falls, Kapedo Falls, Bomet County - Tenwek Falls, Iria Maina Falls, Bungoma County - Teremi Falls, Malakisi Falls, Nabuyole Webuye Falls, Mwikhupo Falls, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kessup Falls, Torok Falls, Embu County - Iveche Falls, Karurina Falls, Ndunda Falls, Nthenge Njeru Falls, Nthungu Falls, Paradiso Falls, Isiolo County - Gotu (Chanler's) Falls, Isiolo Falls, Kakamega County - The Isiukhu Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kericho County - Londiani Ruskebe Falls, The Chereres Falls, Kiptui Falls, Kiambu County - Ruaka Falls, Tigoni Hill Falls, Ruai Falls, Mashinani Falls, Karweti Falls, Kirinyaga County - Ruamuthambi Falls, Gatitika Falls, Thiba Falls, Kathiri Falls, The Castle Falls, Kang'ere Falls, Karumandi Falls, Kisii County - Nyamarambe Falls, Kwale County - Sheldrick Falls, Machakos County - Fourteen Falls, Makueni County - Kyanzizi Falls, Ilovoto Falls, Ka Kindui Falls, Meru County - Vivienne Falls, Nithi Gate Falls, Irine (Devil’s Bridge) Falls, Kathita Falls, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Muranga County - Kimakia Falls, Kanunga Falls, Maragua Falls, Manguyo Falls, Nakuru County - Cedar, Makalia Falls, Nandi County - Ngabunat Falls, Chepkiit Falls, Chemase Falls, Tindinyo Falls, Diguna Falls, Nyamira County - Nyamira Falls, Nyabomite Falls, Nyakwana Falls, Nyandarua County - Ragia Falls, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Ndaragwa Falls, The Thompson Falls, Nyeri County - Riakiania Falls, Kahuru Falls, Ragati Falls, Karuru Falls, Chania Falls, Gura Falls, Zaina Falls, Taita Taveta County - Kilangarenyi Falls, Dembwa Falls, The Lugard's Falls, Tana River County - Adamson's Falls, Tharaka Nithi County - Kibuuka Falls, Ikwa Falls, Hidden Falls, Ura Falls, Uasin Gishu County - Koromosho Falls, Kesses Falls, Two Rivers Falls, Kapsurur Falls, West Pokot County - Tartar Falls, Loumba Falls, Wish Yilat

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.