Located in western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is renowned for its stunning landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also boasts a rich combination of cultural and historical attractions. Among these attractions is Kendu Bay, a town with a captivating past and present.
Lake Victoria near Homa Bay
Kendu Bay: Location and Accessibility
Kendu Bay is a bay and town in Kenya, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria along the Katito-Homa Bay road. It serves as the headquarters of the district. Kisumu, the largest urban center and city in Kenya's western region, lies 40 kilometers north of Kendu Bay. However, the route to Kisumu via Ahero is significantly longer, circumventing Winam Gulf, making the distance from Kisumu to Kendu Bay (via Ahero-Katito) 70km.
Kendu Bay forms a town council with a population of 29,638 (1999 census[1]). The town council comprises four wards: Gendia/Awach, Gumba/Jieri, Rambira, and Simbi/Kogembo.
A Glimpse into the Past: Old Kendu Bay Town
Near Kendu Bay town, approximately 23 km west from Sondu Miriu, a detour to the relic Old Kendu Bay town offers a unique experience. Today, it stands as a deserted row of dukas, eerily reminiscent of a classic western movie set. The desertion amplifies the ghostly and bizarre sense of abandonment.
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A stroll through the town is far from busy, inviting one to imagine life in the 1950s to 1980s when it was lively and spirited. During its peak, unusually close to its winding up, many Indians ran busy supply shops here. The old town features an uncommon network of tarmac roads stretching towards the lake.
However, Kendu Bay pier permanently ceased operations in the early 1980s, as the water hyacinth - an invasive genus of bulbous herbs, spring-blooming perennials - paralyzed transport, initiating the downfall of Old Kendu Bay Town.
Water Hyacinth
Several other factors contributed to the relocation of the township, including the influence of the Adventist Church and the prompt en masse exit of Asian traders, leaving the locals to their own devices to manage the area's economy. The final blow was the paving of the C19 Kendu Bay-Homa Bay Road between 1971 and 1974, which, by design or sheer neglect, completely bypassed Old Kendu Bay town. Consequently, a new town grew along the new blacktop, built further from the Lake. Everyone moved, never to return!
Lake Simbi: A Crater Lake
Area residents take pride in the historical "Lake Simbi," situated a few kilometers from Kendu Bay Town off the Homabay-Katito road. Lake Simbi is a tiny Crater Lake measuring about one kilometre in radius.
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Kisindi Lodge & Spa: A Tranquil Retreat
10 BEST HOTELS To Stay At In KENYA!
For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Kisindi Lodge & Spa is an ideal destination. Surrounded by stunning views of the lake and mountains, guests are accommodated in traditional grass-thatched cottages, providing an authentic experience. Each cottage includes a private bathroom with hot and cold water and a veranda overlooking the lake, perfect for watching fishermen set sail in the morning.
Kisindi Lodge & Spa
Kisindi Lodge & Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility. Guests can hike up the mountain or visit the nearby Abundu hot springs, where locals often boil eggs and cook vegetables. Sharing this humble feast can be a surprisingly rewarding experience.
Historical Significance
For many years, Kendu Bay was known as the entertainment capital of Nyanza, famous for its 'Kendu Show,' which attracted musicians and bands from all over Kenya. However, the show has waned and disappeared over the years.
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.
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