The tourism attractions in Kakamega County ‘Home of Green Jewel’ include nature tourism with Kakamega Tropical Rain Forest ecosystem ‘canopy of beauty’ popular due to its unique diverse and endemic flora and fauna, Nabuyole and Sidikho water falls on river Nzoia and gold mines in Ikolomani and Shinyalu. The county’s tangible heritage sites include Ikhongo Murwi, Misango Hills and Mawe Tatu Hills. Nabongo Shrines provide cultural, heritage and historical tourism from the oldest established kingdom of Abawanga community. The kingdom is linked to pre-colonial trade with Arabs, missionaries from Europe and collaborations with the colonial rule.
Kakamega County is the most populous rural county in Kenya rich with intangible heritage. Significant is bull sports and Isukuti dance. Isukuti is inscribed as an intangible heritage by UNESCO.
The warm and hospitable people of Kakamega county, led by the Abaluhya people interact and host many other communities who reside and have invested in the county. It’s noteworthy that their hospitality has earned the brand “Mulembe” peace. Rural tourism in the county accords visitors unique lasting experience through its agro-tourism, sampling of the delicious and nutritious local cuisine including ingokho (local chicken), rich cultures and eco-tourism.
The county has stood out in sports and entertainment. In recent times, sport tourism has benefitted from Bhukhungu Stadium facelift to international standards for talents development. Sports for the county include football, rugby, netball and volley ball. The county is tapping into medical tourism arena with establishment of an ultra-modern Kakamega Referral Hospital and the private sector operated medical facilities