Bungoma
| Bungoma | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Bungoma | |
| Coordinates: 00°34′00″N 34°34′00″E / 0.56667°N 34.56667°E | |
| Country |
 Kenya |
| County | Bungoma County |
| Elevation | 4,544 ft (1,385 m) |
| Population (1999) | |
| • Total | 60,650 |
| Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) |
Bungoma is a town in Bungoma County of Kenya, bordered by Uganda in the west. Bungoma town was established as a trading centre in the early 20th century. The town is the headquarters of Kenya's Bungoma County and it hosts a municipal council. Bungoma municipality has an urban population of 44.196 and a total population of 60,650 (1999 census [1]).
Naming
Bungoma, was named from engoma — the Bukusu word for drums. The town was originally a meeting place for Bukusu elders. The sound of drums would emanate from the area as the meeting venue, leading to its eventual naming as Bungoma.[2]
There is a second version of the story. It says that in the early days, the area was occupied by the Bungomek, a clan of the Sabaot. The Bungomek was later driven out by the Bukusu, but the name Bungoma, in reference to their occupation, remained.
Economy
Farming is the main economic activity in the county. Bungoma county is sugar country, with one of the country's largest sugar factories, as well as numerous small-holder sugar mills. Maize is also grown for subsistence, alongside pearl millet and sorghum. Dairy farming is widely practised, as well as the raising of poultry. There is a small but important tourist circuit, centering on the biennial circumcision ceremonies.
Overview
The major economic activity in the area is farming and business supported by the Kenya-Uganda Railway which passes through the town. Nearby industrial centers are found at Nzoia and Webuye.
Major tertiary educational institutions include the Sang'alo Institute of Science and Technology, Mabanga Farmer's training centre, SACRED Africa and the SACRED Training Institute (both founded by Dr Juma Mukhwana) and Bungoma High school.
The mayor of Bungoma is Barasa Ndinga of Ford-Kenya, who beat the previous mayor Majimbo Okumu of ODM in the 2009 mayoral election, voted by the Bungoma councillors [3]
See also
References
- ↑ Kenya National Bureau of Statistics: Population of local authorities
- ↑ MORRIS KIRUGA. Daily Nation. How local dialects influenced naming of west Kenya towns. 23rd July 2013
- ↑ The Stansdard, July 3, 2009: ODM loses Bungoma mayoral seat to Ford-Kenya
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bungoma. |
Coordinates: 00°34′N 34°34′E / 0.567°N 34.567°E