Kisii, Kenya

Infobox City |official_name = Kisii, Kenya


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image_caption = Kisii, Kenya
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subdivision_type = Province
subdivision_type1 = District
subdivision_name = Nyanza Province
subdivision_name1 = Kisii District
leader_title =
leader_name =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 =
area_land_km2 =
area_water_km2 =
population_as_of = 1999
population_urban = 25634
population_note =
population_total = 59248
population_metro =
area_metro_km2 =
population_density_km2 =
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +1
latd = 0
latm = 41
lats =
latNS = S
longd = 34
longm = 46
longs =
longEW = E
elevation_m = 1700
elevation_ft =
website =
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:"This article refers to the city of kisii. For the district of the same name, see Kisii District"Kisii town, located in south-western Kenya, is the main urban and commercial centre in Gusii Highlands. The Kisii municipality has a population of nearly 70,000, according to 2002 estimates. Kisii town is the capital of the Kisii District. The town was formerly the headquarters of the larger Kisii district before it was split to create Nyamira and Gucha districts. However, the town continues to serve these districts and the larger South Nyanza and Transmara region in terms of commerce.

Economy

There are few industrial activities in the town although potential for agro-based industries exists because the town is located in a rich agricultural area. Soapstone quarrying also takes place near the town.

People

The town has a sizeable number of Indian, Kikuyu and other communities who are also involved in trade although the Gusii seem to be more prominent. However, the Indians have recently bought several properties from the Gusii which they are developing into supermarkets and highrise buildings at the center of the town.

Housing conditions

The town is poorly drained and the only sewerage formerly in the "Daraja Mbili" area of the town but this has been moved outside the town. The town has an acute shortage of land and most of its suburbs have developed without proper planning.

External links

* [http://www.kisii.com/site/gusii.htm Gusii profile]
* [http://www.ekegusii.org Ekegusii language]
* [http://www.kisii.com kisii website]