Kisii County is one of the forty-seven counties in Kenya, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is bordered by Nyamira County to the northeast, Narok County to the south, and Homa Bay County to the west.
The county has a population of over 1 million people and covers an area of approximately 1,317 square kilometers. The county is known for its hilly terrain, highland equatorial climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Kisii Town, the capital of Kisii County, is a major urban and commercial center in the Gusii Highlands, Kisii and Nyamira counties, and the South Nyanza region.
It is the second-largest town in formerly greater Nyanza after Kisumu City. Kisii County has nine electoral constituencies, eleven sub-counties, and a government led by Governor Simmba Arati. It is home to various ethnic groups, including the Kisii, Luo, and Maasai communities.
If you’re planning to visit Kisii County, there are plenty of attractions to explore, from scenic hills and waterfalls to soapstone mining and carvings. The county is also known for its tea and coffee plantations, which offer a unique experience for visitors.
Kisii County is home to several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kisii Cultural Festival and the Maasai Mara Cultural Festival. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Kisii County has something to offer for everyone.
Geography
Physical Features
Kisii County is located in southwestern Kenya and covers an area of approximately 1,317.4 square kilometers. The county is characterized by a hilly topography with several ridges and valleys.
It can be divided into three main topographical zones. The first zone covers areas lying below 1,500m above sea level located on the western boundary and includes parts of Suneka, Marani, and Nyamarambe.
The second zone covers areas lying between 1500-1800m above sea level and includes parts of Bobasi, Gucha, and Masaba. The third zone covers areas lying above 1,800m above sea level and includes parts of Kitutu Chache and West Mugirango.
The county’s highest point is Nyamasibi Hill, which stands at an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. The hills and valleys in Kisii County provide a scenic landscape and are a source of various natural resources such as water, timber, and minerals.
Climate
Kisii County has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The county experiences two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December.
The average annual rainfall is approximately 1,500mm, making the county one of the wettest regions in Kenya.
The county’s climate and topography make it suitable for the production of various crops such as tea, coffee, bananas, and avocados. The county is also home to various wildlife species such as baboons, monkeys, and antelopes.
Demographics
Population
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Kisii County has a population of 1,266,860 people. Of these, 605,784 are males, 661,038 are females, and 38 are intersex persons.
The county has a population density of 958 people per square kilometer, with an average household size of 4.1 persons per household. Kisii County has a total of 308,054 households.
Ethnic Groups
Kisii County is predominantly inhabited by the Kisii people, who make up the majority of the population. According to City Population, the Kisii people make up 82.5% of the population, followed by the Luo people at 4.9%, the Kikuyu people at 3.7%, and the Luhya people at 3.3%.
Other ethnic groups such as the Kalenjin, Maasai, and Meru also reside in Kisii County, but in smaller numbers.
The Kisii people are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes unique traditions, customs, and beliefs. They are also known for their high literacy rates and have produced many prominent individuals in various fields, including politics, academia, and business.
Administration
Administrative Units
Kisii County is divided into nine administrative units known as sub-counties. These sub-counties are further divided into a total of 45 wards. The sub-counties are:
| Sub-County | Wards |
|---|---|
| Bonchari | 5 |
| South Mugirango | 4 |
| Bomachoge Borabu | 5 |
| Bomachoge Chache | 5 |
| Kitutu Chache North | 5 |
| Kitutu Chache South | 5 |
| Nyaribari Chache | 5 |
| Nyaribari Masaba | 5 |
| Nyamira North | 1 |
Each sub-county is headed by a sub-county administrator who is appointed by the Governor. The sub-county administrator is responsible for coordinating and implementing government programs at the sub-county level.
Governance
The Kisii County Government is headed by the Governor who is the chief executive officer of the County. The Governor is assisted by the Deputy Governor and a team of County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) who head various departments in the County Government.
The CECMs are appointed by the Governor with the approval of the County Assembly.
The County Government is also composed of the County Assembly, which is the legislative arm of the County Government. The County Assembly is made up of 45 elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who represent the 45 wards in the County.
The MCAs are responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the County Government’s operations.
The County Government is also supported by various departments and units, including the Public Service, County Administration, and Participatory Development Department, which is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of both headquarters and field administrative services.
Other departments include the Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Department, Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Department, among others.
Economy
Kisii County has a diverse economy with a mix of agricultural and business activities. The county is known for its tea, coffee, bananas, and maize production.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main economic activity in Kisii County, with over 80% of the population engaged in farming. The county is known for its tea and coffee production, which is mainly grown in the highlands.
Other crops grown in the county include bananas, maize, beans, and sweet potatoes. The county government has been supporting farmers through various initiatives such as providing subsidized farm inputs, extension services, and market linkages.
Business and Trade
Kisii County is also a hub for business and trade activities. The county has several markets and trading centers that offer a wide range of goods and services.
The main trading centers in the county include Kisii town, Ogembo, Keroka, and Suneka. Kisii town is the largest trading center and is known for its vibrant business activities.
The town has several supermarkets, banks, and other financial institutions that serve the county and the neighboring regions. The county government has been working to improve the business environment in the county by providing a conducive business environment.
The county government has been investing in infrastructure development, such as roads, electricity, and water supply, to attract investors and improve the business environment. The county government has also been providing training and capacity building to small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their competitiveness and productivity.
Education
Schools
Kisii County has a number of both public and private schools that offer primary and secondary education. According to Education News Hub, some of the best primary schools in Kisii County include St. Mary’s Mosocho, St. Joseph’s Nyabururu, and St. Mary’s Irianyi.
On the other hand, some of the best secondary schools in the county are Kisii School, St. Paul’s Amasago, and Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi (Kegati). These schools have consistently performed well in national exams and produced some of the best students in the country.
Most of the county schools admit students from within the county, and the admission of form ones is done through the Ministry of Education’s portal. Additionally, there are private schools that offer quality education to students in the county.
Higher Education Institutions
Kisii County has several higher education institutions that offer diploma and degree courses. Kisii University is the main public university in the county, offering courses in various fields such as business, education, and science. The university has several campuses in Kisii town and its environs.
Other higher education institutions in the county include Kisii National Polytechnic, which offers technical courses such as electrical engineering and information technology. There is also St. Joseph’s College, which offers diploma courses in education and business.
Overall, Kisii County has a good education system that provides quality education to its residents. With several primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education institutions, students in the county have access to a wide range of educational opportunities.
Healthcare
Kisii County has a population of about 1,161,269 and is served by different healthcare facilities that offer various healthcare services. The county has both public and private hospitals that provide medical care to the residents.
Hospitals
There are several hospitals in Kisii County, both public and private. Some of the best private hospitals in Kisii County include Bosongo Hospital and Mediforte Hospital.
Bosongo Hospital is a specialist healthcare facility that provides patient-centered medical care based on international best practices.
On the other hand, Mediforte Hospital is a state-of-the-art hospital that offers various healthcare services such as outpatient and inpatient services, ICU & HDU, dialysis, and radiology, among others.
The county has several public hospitals, including Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, which is the largest public hospital in the county. Other public hospitals include Nyamache Sub-County Hospital and Kisii County Hospital.
Healthcare Services
Kisii County has various healthcare services that are offered by different healthcare facilities. The county has 32 community health units, 84 dispensaries, 28 health centers, and 14 hospitals. The county has 41 doctors and 504 nurses among other healthcare professionals.
The county government has put in place different healthcare programs to improve healthcare services in the county. Some of the healthcare programs include immunization programs, maternal and child health programs, and HIV/AIDS programs, among others.
Kisii County has both public and private hospitals that provide healthcare services to the residents. The county has various healthcare services such as community health units, dispensaries, health centers, and hospitals.
The county government has put in place different healthcare programs to improve healthcare services in the county.
Culture
Kisii County is home to the Gusii people, a Bantu ethnic group with a rich and unique culture. The Gusii people are known for their traditional practices, festivals, and events that showcase their heritage.
Traditional Practices
The Gusii people have several traditional practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of these practices is the circumcision of boys, which is a rite of passage into manhood.
The circumcision ceremony is a significant event that involves the entire community and is usually accompanied by feasting, music, and dancing.
Another traditional practice among the Gusii people is polygamy. It is common for a man to have several wives, and all of them live together in a single compound.
The family unit is essential in the Gusii culture, and the extended family often plays a significant role in decision-making.
Festivals and Events
The Gusii people have several festivals and events that celebrate their culture. One of the most significant events is the Ekerenyo Festival, which is held annually in September.
The festival is a celebration of the Gusii culture and involves traditional dances, music, and food.
Another important festival is the Marani Cultural Festival, which is held in December. The festival is a celebration of the Marani sub-tribe of the Gusii people and involves traditional dances, music, and food.
The festival also features a beauty pageant, where young women showcase their knowledge of the Gusii culture and traditions.
Tourism
Kisii County is a popular tourist destination in Kenya due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and abundance of wildlife. In this section, we will explore some of the top attractions and accommodation options in the area.
Attractions
Kisii County has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit:
- Tabaka Soapstone Mining and Carvings: Located about 24 kilometers from Kisii town, this is the main source of soapstone in Kenya. You can visit the place to have a glimpse of how soapstone is mined and the various beautiful carvings made from soapstone.
- Nyakwana Waterfalls: Located in the South Mugirango constituency, Nyakwana Waterfalls is a popular destination for hiking and chasing waterfalls. The falls are surrounded by lush green vegetation, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
- Kisii Museum: The museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Kisii people, including their traditional dress, music, and dance. It is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Accommodation
Kisii County has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top options:
- Kisii Hotel: This is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Kisii town. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
- Mash Park Hotel Kisii: This is a 4-star hotel located in Kisii town. It offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and conference facilities.
- Magharibi Suites: This is a 3-star hotel located in Kisii town. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Kisii County has something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and abundance of wildlife, it’s no wonder that this is a top tourist destination in Kenya.
Infrastructure
Kisii County has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, with a focus on transportation and utilities. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the county’s infrastructure and the improvements that have been made.
Transport
Kisii County has an extensive road network that connects the county to other parts of the country. The county has over 1,000 km of roads, with most of them being gravel roads. However, the county government has been working to upgrade these roads to tarmac to improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
The county also has an airport, Kisii Airport, which is located in Suneka. The airport is currently undergoing an expansion to accommodate larger planes and increase its capacity.
Additionally, the county has invested in the construction of bus parks and taxi ranks in major towns to improve public transportation. This has made it easier for residents to move around the county and access essential services.
Utilities
Kisii County has made significant investments in utilities to improve the quality of life for its residents. The county government has been working to provide reliable electricity to households and businesses.
The county has also invested in the construction of water treatment plants and boreholes to provide clean water to residents.
The county has also invested in the construction of markets, slaughterhouses, and abattoirs to improve the quality of food sold to residents. This has helped to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illnesses and improve food security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the contact details for the Kisii County Government?
You can reach the Kisii County Government through the following contact details:
- Phone: +254709727000 or +254730184000
- Email: [email protected]
- Postal Address: P.O Box 10-40200, Kisii
Who are the directors of Kisii County?
Kisii County has various directors in different departments. You can find a comprehensive list of directors on the official Kisii County website here.
What is the population of Kisii County?
As of 2023, Kisii County has a population of approximately 1,266,860 people according to Wikipedia.
What is the composition of Kisii County Assembly?
The Kisii County Assembly has 45 members. 35 members represent the wards while 10 members are nominated according to Kisii Finest.
What is the physical address of Kisii County Government?
The physical address of Kisii County Government is:
Kisii County Government Headquarters
P.O Box 10-40200, Kisii
Kisii-Kisumu Road, Kisii Town.
