Vihiga: Exploring the Beauty of Western Kenya
Learn more about the population, agriculture and culture
Vihiga County is a region located in the former Western Province of Kenya. The county has an area of 563 kmĀ² and a population of 554,622 (2009 census) making it one of the smallest counties in Kenya by land area. Vihiga County is bordered by Nandi to the east, Kisumu County to the south, Siaya County to the west, and Kakamega County to the north.
Vihiga County is known for its tea plantations and is the most densely populated rural area in Kenya. The hilly county is also home to significant quarrying activity for construction materials. Dairy farming is another widely practiced agricultural activity in Vihiga. The county has five constituencies: Luanda, Emuhaya, Hamisi, Sabatia, and Vihiga. These constituencies have their headquarters in the respective towns and are represented in the National Assembly by elected Members of Parliament.
Vihiga County is a vibrant region with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to various ethnic communities, including the Bukusu, Maragoli, and Tiriki, who have unique customs and traditions. The county is also a hub for sports, with many talented athletes hailing from the region. Overall, Vihiga County is a fascinating place to visit, with its beautiful scenery, diverse culture, and warm and welcoming people.
Geography of Vihiga
Physical Features
Vihiga County is located in the Western Region of Kenya, bordered by Nandi to the East, Kisumu County to the South, Siaya County to the West, and Kakamega County to the North [1]. The county covers an area of 563 kmĀ² [1] and is characterized by rolling green hills, valleys, and rivers. The highest point in the county is the Maragoli Hills, which rise to an elevation of 2,200 meters [2].
The county is home to several rivers, including River Yala, River Kaimosi, and River Vihiga, which flow into Lake Victoria [1]. The rivers provide water for irrigation, domestic use, and hydroelectric power generation.
Climate
Vihiga County experiences a tropical climate with an average temperature of 19Ā°C [2]. The county receives an average annual rainfall of between 1,200 mm and 2,000 mm [2]. The rainy seasons are from March to May and from October to December [3]. The county experiences occasional floods during the rainy season, which can cause damage to infrastructure and crops.
The county's climate is suitable for the cultivation of a variety of crops, including tea, coffee, sugarcane, maize, beans, and bananas [1]. The county is also home to several forests, including the Kakamega Forest, which is the only remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya [4]. The forest is home to several species of plants and animals, including primates, birds, and butterflies.
Overall, the geography of Vihiga County is characterized by its rolling hills, rivers, and forests, which provide a suitable environment for agriculture and tourism.
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Demographics of Vihiga
Population
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Vihiga County had a population of 554,622 as of the 2009 census. The county has an area of 563 kmĀ², making it one of the smallest counties in Kenya. The population density is therefore relatively high, with an average of 985 people per square kilometer. As of 2023, the population of Vihiga County is estimated to be around 650,000.
Ethnic Groups
The majority of the population in Vihiga County is of the Luhya ethnic group, with the sub-tribes of Maragoli, Tiriki, and Bunyore being the most populous. Other ethnic groups in the county include Luo, Kikuyu, and Kalenjin. The Luhya community is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes music, dance, and cuisine. The traditional Luhya diet consists mainly of maize, beans, and vegetables, with meat being eaten on special occasions.
In terms of religion, Christianity is the dominant religion in Vihiga County, with the majority of the population being Catholic or Protestant. Other religions practiced in the county include Islam and traditional African religions.
Overall, Vihiga County is a diverse and vibrant region, with a rich cultural heritage and a growing population.
Economy of Vihiga
Vihiga County is located in the Western Region of Kenya and is one of the four counties in the former Western Province. The main economic activity in the province is farming, with tea and sugarcane being the main cash crops. Dairy farming is also widely practiced in Vihiga, with the county being known for producing high-quality milk.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of Vihiga's economy, with over 80% of the population relying on farming for their livelihoods. The county has a favorable climate for agriculture, with fertile soils and abundant rainfall. The main crops grown in the county include maize, beans, bananas, and vegetables. Tea and sugarcane are also grown on large-scale plantations, with tea being one of the main cash crops.
Trade and Commerce
Trade and commerce are also important economic activities in Vihiga County. The county has several markets and trading centers where farmers sell their produce. The main markets in the county include Mbale, Chavakali, and Shamakhokho markets. These markets attract traders from all over the region, making them important centers of trade and commerce.
In addition to agriculture and trade, Vihiga County also has a small industrial sector. The county is home to several small-scale industries, including textile mills, sawmills, and food processing plants. These industries provide employment opportunities for the local population and contribute to the county's economic growth.
Overall, Vihiga County's economy is largely driven by agriculture, with trade and commerce playing a supporting role. The county's favorable climate and fertile soils make it an ideal location for agriculture, while its markets and trading centers provide a platform for farmers to sell their produce.
Culture and Heritage of Vihiga
Vihiga County is home to a diverse range of communities originating from different parts of Kenya. The county is home to four major indigenous sub-tribes, namely the Maragoli people, Banyore people, Tiriki people, and Terik people, who add to the rich culture of this great county [1].
Local Traditions
The people of Vihiga County have a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. The county is known for its traditional dances, such as the Isikuti dance, which is performed by the Luhya community during celebrations, including weddings, funerals, and other cultural events. The Isikuti dance is characterized by the beating of drums, singing, and dancing [1].
Vihiga County is also known for its traditional attire, which is worn during cultural events. The attire is made up of brightly colored fabrics, which are decorated with intricate patterns and designs. The attire is worn by both men and women and is an important part of the county's cultural identity [1].
Tourist Attractions
Vihiga County has a number of tourist attractions that showcase the county's rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the county is the Kakamega Forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and birds. The forest is also home to a number of traditional healing plants, which are used by the local community for medicinal purposes [2].
Another popular tourist attraction in the county is the Chetambe Fort, which was built by the local community in the 19th century. The fort was used as a refuge during times of conflict and is an important part of the county's history [2].
Overall, Vihiga County has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. From traditional dances to tourist attractions, the county has something to offer everyone who is interested in learning about its unique culture and history.
References
[1] "History & Culture - Vihiga County." Vihiga County, https://vihiga.go.ke/history-culture/.
[2] "Vihiga County - Wikipedia." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vihiga_County.
Governance and Administration of Vihiga
Political Structure
Vihiga County is one of the 47 counties in Kenya, located in the Western Region of the country. The County's headquarters are in Mbale, which is the largest town in the county. The county is divided into five constituencies: Luanda, Emuhaya, Hamisi, Sabatia, and Vihiga. Each constituency is represented by an elected Member of Parliament (MP) in the National Assembly of Kenya.
The County Government of Vihiga is led by the Governor who is the Chief Executive Officer of the County. The current Governor is Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, who was elected in the 2017 general elections. The Governor is assisted by a Deputy Governor and a County Executive Committee (CEC) of ten members who are responsible for various departments in the County Government.
Infrastructure and Development
The County Government of Vihiga has made strides in improving the infrastructure and development of the county. The government has invested in the construction of roads, water supply, and sanitation facilities to improve the living standards of the people. The county has also invested in the education sector by building new schools and renovating existing ones.
In addition, the county government has established health centers and hospitals to provide quality healthcare to the people. The government has also initiated programs to empower women and youth through training and financial support.
The County Government of Vihiga has also partnered with the national government and other development partners to implement various development projects in the county. For instance, the government has partnered with the World Bank to implement the Kenya Urban Support Program. The program aims to improve access to basic urban services and infrastructure in the county.
Overall, the County Government of Vihiga has made significant progress in improving the lives of its people through various development projects and initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sub-counties in Vihiga County?
Vihiga County has four sub-counties which are Emuhaya, Hamisi, Luanda, and Sabatia. Each sub-county is further divided into wards.
What are the major rivers in Vihiga County?
The major rivers in Vihiga County are River Yala, River Kaimosi, and River Vihiga. These rivers are important sources of water for irrigation and domestic use.
What are the constituencies in Vihiga County?
Vihiga County has five constituencies which are Emuhaya, Hamisi, Luanda, Sabatia, and Vihiga. Each constituency is represented by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the National Assembly.
What are the wards in Vihiga Constituency?
Vihiga Constituency has nine wards which are Central Bunyore, East Bunyore, Luanda Township, Luanda South, Luanda North, North Maragoli, South Maragoli, Wodanga, and West Bunyore.
Where is the headquarters of Vihiga County?
The headquarters of Vihiga County is located in Mbale, which is the largest town in the county. Mbale is located in the central part of Vihiga County.
What is the population of Vihiga County?
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Vihiga County has a population of 590,013 people. The population density is 1,048 people per square kilometer.