History
A Brief History of Bungoma Town
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.
See History Timeline
Touring Bungoma County a rich cultural and natural experience. Visit the local villages to experience traditional Luhya culture, including music, dance, and food. The Luhya are known for their vibrant cultural heritage. Around Bungoma County are many great spots for photography and to appreciate the nature’s beauty.
1925
Town Founded
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1956
Urban Center
In 1956, Bungoma became the headquarters of Elgon Nyanza district and then granted Urban Centre. It became a Town Council in 1973 before being elevated to a Municipality in 1980
1960
Economy
As a former district capital of the greater Bungoma, the town has attracted leading banks to set up base thus making it a financial center as well. Today, all major banking institutions have branches here easing financial transactions. Barclays Bank , Kenya Commercial Bank, National Bank of Kenya, Equity Bank, Family Bank, Post Bank are among those running branches at Bungoma that offer forex services. A multi- million Silo Complex and conventional stores owned by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) with storage capacity of 830,000 metric tones in the rich agricultural hinterland make the town potential centre for flour milling, rice milling, as viable investment options.
2018
Transport
The Mombasa – Nairobi – Eldoret – Webuye – Malaba highway (A104) traverses through the County. It is a major link road for trade and commerce. The Webuye – Kitale highway (A1) has recently undergone re-construction, thereby positioning the County as the desired destination for attracting and retaining investment. Some of the major road works undertaken by the national government in the County include: Webuye-Kitale (59km), Musikoma-Buyofu-Mungatsi (ongoing), Lwakhakha-Korosiendet-Tulienge-Sirisia-Namwela-Chwele (ongoing), Musikoma – Sang’alo – Lurambi (ongoing). In the medium term, the County shall seek to upgrade 250 kms of road network to bitumen standards. In doing so, the County shall adopt the network approach in road construction that links key community installations and businesses to major transport corridors.
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