Kimilili
Kimilili is a town and area in Kenya's Bungoma County. The area is occupied mainly by the Bukusu and Sabaot communities. Its proximity to the fertile slopes of Mt Elgon, on the Kenya-Uganda border, has made it a trading center for agricultural goods and services. The town has an urban population of 10,251.[1]
The surrounding region is mainly farmland, the main cash crops being coffee, maize, beans, sunflower seed and tea.
The main town centre has several economic activities which include retail grocery stores, supermarkets, schools and computer colleges. Kimilili boasts one of the best schools in Kenya, Friends School Kamusinga. Other high schools are Moi girls' high school Kamusinga, Kimilili boys' high school, Maeni girls' secondary school and St. Theresa's girls' secondary school. Numerous primary private schools are found, namely PHIM primary school, Shekinah school, Dreamland Education Centre and Farcon academy. Public primary schools are Kimilili R.C. boys', Kimilili R.C. girls', Kimilili D.E.B, Kamusinga primary, Khwiroro primary, Bituyu, Buko and Maeni primary schools. Additionally, Matili F.Y.M primary,Matili R.C, and Namawanga primary school are afew schools which have produced prominent scholars. Kimilili has a Teachers Training Center (Shima TTC).
There are numerous non-governmental organizations in Kimilili, the two main ones being ICFEM and Omwabini, which have added much value to the town of Kimilili.
Kimilili is a home to the Western Provincial Police Training Center. Due to its strength in trade and education, Kimilili's urban population is on the rise. It was home to many government workers who held office positions in the former Mt Elgon District, which was merged into Bungoma County in 2010.
In past years, this region has suffered from land conflicts that have resulted in displacement of thousands. The famous Sabaot Land Defense Forces who were the aggressors and the main agitators of this conflict, have, however, been subdued by the government.