Homa Bay county is the largest and most scenic county in Kenya’s former Nyanza province. It borders Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, and is located 350 km from Nairobi and 110 km from Kisumu. Homa Bay is home to a population of 1,131,950 (2019 census) and has a land area of 3,152.5 km2.

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Lake Victoria north covers close to 30% of the county’s total area and plays a significant role in its economy. The county’s capital and largest town is Homa Bay with a population estimated at 60,000. Other significant urban centers are Mbita, Kendu Bay and Oyugis. 

Homba Bay might be a great destination for your next holiday, since it accommodates people with varied interests and small and deep pockets. The place has wonderful scenery and has kept its pristine character since it is off the beaten track. There is plenty to and you can stay engaged for days or weeks depending on the time that you have available. For presentation purposes we have arranged the tourist attractions in 4 circuits, but you can mix and match them to your likes and interests. 

1. Homa Bay Peninsula – natural and cultural gems
2. Ruma National Park – wildlife in the Lambwe Valley
3. Lake Victoria Islands – water sports and cultural heritage
4. Gwassi Hills – hiking and biking off the beaten track
   

Homa Bay county is home to a variety of attractions, wildlife and fauna not commonly found in other parts of the country, and at its heart is the Ruma National Park.

There are also a variety of small mammals and a large number of avian species including many birds-of-prey. The park is one of the 61 IBA ( Important Bird Areas ) in Kenya and the only protected area in Kenya where the globally vulnerable and migratory Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) is currently monitored. The crowned crane, helmeted guinea fowls, marabou storks, Ibis, secretary bird and quelea species are some of the common birds found in the park.

​Among the notable reptiles found in the park are python (Python sebae), African spitting cobra, forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), eastern green mamba, black- mouthed mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), and puff adder (Bitis arietans).

Such species as lions (Panthera leo), Cheetah (Acynonyx jubatus) and Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis Michaeli) were present in the valley as recently as 1936 but they have since gone locally extinct. However, the Black Rhino has recently been reintroduced in the park to boost species diversity. Elephants were also abundant in the area but they were driven away towards the Maasai land in 1931 and 1948.

This story was produced by Ekialo Kiona Fm in partnership with Kenya Community Media Network and the Catholic Media Council with support from the German Cooperation as a part of the Our County Our Responsibility project.