Kisumu emerges as new hub for holidays and conferences

Since 2007, Kisumu has been seen as a hotbed of violence. But not anymore. The city is fast turning into a hospitality hub as locals and foreigners flock the town for holidays and conferences.

There has been an influx of leaders who have preferred holding their conferences in Kisumu. These have included governors, business leaders, parliamentary and county committees and constitutional commissions.

Officials from neighbouring counties including Siaya, Homa Bay and Busia county governments have also been spending weekends meeting in Kisumu.

Leaders and businessmen say increased interest in Kisumu is also due to the fact that the city serves as a central location for six counties.

Kenya Chamber of Commerce branch chairman Israeli Agina says the tourism sector in Kisumu is also expanding because of improved security. “This is attracting visitors and conferences into this town,” he says.

“Security is better compared to Nairobi and Mombasa which have been hit by Al-Shabaab. This explains why Kisumu is attracting many meetings and investors,” Mr Agina adds.

He says modernisation of Kisumu International Airport has also opened up opportunities in the region, not only in terms of trade but tourism as well.

“Kisumu is now connecting the East African region. Passengers from Uganda can now easily connect through the Kisumu airport to neighbouring countries,” Mr Agina said.

And starting April 22, Kisumu will be hosting the second conference on devolution which leaders say is a pointer to the fact that the town is becoming an ideal tourism destination.

Some 6,000 delegates from the 47 counties are expected at the three-day meeting.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie says Kisumu is strategically placed to attract tourism to the Western circuit.

“The ministry has realized the western circuit is the next frontier for tourism. But we also want to market it as a part of Kenya that was not fully exploited,” Ms Kandie told stakeholders when she paid a courtesy call on governor Jack Ranguma on Wednesday.

Mr Ranguma said the development of western Kenya as a major tourism hub had just but begun. “We will select key areas we will develop and ensure they are on the international map as tourist attraction sites,” Mr Ranguma said.

ACCOMODATION RATES

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir and Kisumu Hotels Managers Group chairman Robinson Anyal say the city’s improved image is also due to favourable accommodation rates, hospitality and good climate.

And to Mr Shabbir, aggressive marketing strategy by county leaders has added to the trick.

“Many parliamentary committees are now bringing their sittings here. As local MPs, we are encouraging people to visit this place and we are happy with the response,” he said.

Improved infrastructure has also been central by easing movement of goods and services.

Mr Omar Ahmed, chairman of the County Public Accounts Forum that hosted its annual meeting in Kisumu last year, loves the town’s climate.

“When Kisumu was suggested as the venue for our meeting, we quickly agreed. This shows how much the town is growing and as MCAs, we are happy to support it,” said Mr Ahmed, the Kaloleni MCA in Kisumu.

Kisumu boasts of additional hotels providing ample space for conferences and seminars. The city has eight hotels and several guest houses.

Mr Anyal said they are in for big boost during the devolution conference. “We are finalising plans to host the delegates. We are expecting increased bed capacity in hotels such as Royal City which recently expanded. Five others are undergoing renovations ahead of the conference,” said Mr Anyal.

Taxi operators and car hire firms have also not been left behind - they are also registering increased profits.

Mr Alex Kavaya, the proprietor of Kairi Tours and Safaris says unlike the notion that Kisumu is a violence hotspot, residents are hospitable and warm.

“Business for taxi drivers has seen an increase in profits owing to the fact that people are now warming up to Kisumu. We are expecting more,” he said.

Nyanza police boss Willy Lugusa attributed the latest interest in Kisumu to improved security. “Our efforts to maintain law and order have helped attract many people to Kisumu,” he said.

Mr Lugusa says security arrangements for the conference are complete adding delegates’ safety is assured.

“The high-level personalities that will attend the conference gives us even more work. But we are up to the task,” he said.

Report by Everline Okewo, Silas Apollo and Patrick Langat.