About Homa Bay Way Back When Brief History of Homabay County The bulk of the population in Kenya lives in three areas; near Lake Victoria in the west and south-west, in central Kenya. and in the area of fairly dense population along the coast between Malindi and the Tanzania border. Western Kenya is the place of origin for the nilotic speaking communities of Kenya, notably of the Luo and Kalenjin, making this an important region in tracing the settlement patterns. The Luo are descended from migrants who journeyed into western Kenya from Uganda between the 15th and 20th centuries. Since their arrival here, and in the few offshore inhabited islands, their point of reference for making subsistent use of Lake Victoria was the Kavirondo Gulf, a shallow inlet extending inland for about 75 km. From the dawn of their call, the Luo people made use of this gulf by fishing. The place we now call Homa Bay County is named after its self-same capital, which was first known as ‘Chich Onuno market', only getting its current name in 1925. Revered for its scenic hills and picturesque shoreline, Chich Onuno over looks the salient Huma (or Homa Hills) which became the self-explanatory place-name. Since their arrival here, the Luo community had a deep and vibrant culture. Commonplacely, the Luo people were a patriarchal society with a decentralized government system. The ancestral and traditional way of life was centered around activities such as fly fishing, agriculture and cattle herding. In days gone by, the communities were organized in small villages, each led by a chief or elder. The Luos organized their defense and security at the sub-tribe level, which was led by a native commander, ‘Osumba Mrwayi', who was a part of the council of elders. During the colonial era, Homa Bay, like the rest of Kenya, came under British rule. In 1888, to gain free access to the protectorate, the British Empire decided to cut across from Mombasa to reach the shores of Lake Victoria by train. Early contact of the Luo and the British was indirect and sporadic. Relations grew only when the railway line reached Port Florence in 1901, eliminating the need for local alliances. In 1902, the IBEA Company opted to transfer British East Africa inland port serving the thriving Kavirondo area, and the lake region, from Mount Elgon area to Chich Onuno (Homa Bay). Also, Kavirondo, the name of the stretch enclosing Kavirondo Gulf was changed to Winam Gulf. Henceforth, the two native peoples living in the region were reclassified: The "Nilotic Kavirondo" and "Bantu Kavirondo". Broadly, the two groups were defined as those who living in the valley of Nzoia River, on the slopes of Mount Elgon, and those along the northeast coast of Lake Victoria. And with this a new political entity began, with many immigrants, white farmers, Indian traders, missionaries arriving in Kavirondo region and who, by will or whip, introduced their ways to the people of Homa Bay County; and by extension South Nyanza. The Seventh-day Adventist missionaries were, presumably, the earliest missionaries to reach Nilotic Kavirondo. Their first mission was opened at Gendia Hill, in November 1906. In time, they established stations at Wire Hill, Rusinga, Kanyadoto, Karung, Kisii and at Kamagambo. These were all in South Nyanza. As expected, the arrival of the British had a significant impact on prospects, the social and economic systems of the Kavirondos. The settlers introduced cash crops and established administrative systems that often disrupted traditional livelihoods. Homa Bay became the headquarters of South Nyanza, before it was split to form Kuria, Suba, Migori, Homa Bay, Rachuonyo, and Rongo Districts. While the people of Kavirondo had continually opposed colonial rule, early efforts were quickly thwarted by the British show of force. The apparent acquiescence to British colonial rule was shattered by a movement known as Mumboism that took root in South Nyanza. In 1913, Onyango Dunde of central Kavirondo proclaimed to have been sent by ancestral deities to inspire the locals to oppose colonial rule. Through his teachings, the people began to rebel in earnest, and it spread fast. Violent resistance having proven to be futile, and outmatched technologically, the movement focused on anticipating the end of colonialism, rather than actively inducing it. The colonial authorities suppressed the movement by deporting and imprisoning adherents in the 1920s and 1930s. The momentum, however, was irreversible, as the same wind of change was sweeping across the entire country. 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: Homa Bay County Where to Next? Explore Destinations in Homa Bay County 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 What's The Lay Of The Land In C.43? 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. What's The Air Like In Homabay? Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18 o C to 33 o C, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year. Know More About Homabay County…

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