History
The origins of modern-day Bungoma town, its capital town, date back to the early 20th century, when it was established as a trading centre. It was one of the substantial “beneficiaries” of the Kenya-Uganda Railway line. Before the arrival of the rail, nothing in the form of a settlement existed, much of it modest pastoral population then scattered around the mountain and its healthful forests.
Officially, Bungoma Town was founded in 1925 with the arrival of the rail, which provided a new phase for the area. Very soon afterwards, this became a camping ground for railway workers who mainly consisted of Asians and a few Europeans.
This early communication advantage provided it impetus for the growth of its commerce and drastically hastened settlement. Prior to this, “the town was a meeting place by the Bukusu elders who used drums (engoma) to summon people to meet. It was, therefore, referred to as the place of drums by the Bukusu and Tachoni Tribes, hence the name Bungoma”.
There is a second version of the story. It says that in the early days, the area was occupied by the Bungomek, a clan of the Sabaot. The Bungomek was later driven out by the Bukusu, but the name Bungoma, echoing their occupation, remained.
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