Bungoma, the capital of Bungoma County is a town at the western edge of Kenya, just a few miles north of the Equator and bordering Uganda.
Most of the residents are of Bukusu nationality, with the main industry being farming. Sugar cane is the main food type for commercial growers here. The townsfolk additionally grow maize, millet, corn, beans and cabbage for food, whilst also raising farmyard animals such as goats, chickens and cows.
Bungoma history
The historic relationship between the Bukusu and the British hasn’t always been as friendly as it is today, with several battles fought in the 1800/1900s which resulted in many casualties from both sides. Today, however, is a different story because these friendly people have welcomed English speakers into their community and worked together to provide a constantly improving infrastructure for future generations, while simultaneously learning about God.
A growing town
The town itself is basic in terms of infrastructure, with just a handful of shops and a weekly market. It has grown phenomenally during the last 200 years, going from just a few hundred residents to more than 60000.
As the town has grown, churches, schools and a sugar factory have been added, while sports and activity groups have been set up – giving the children of Bungoma added interests outside of their schooling.
Due, probably in no small part to its rapid growth, Bungoma doesn’t enjoy the same quality of public services that other towns of similar size do. This is something that Bungoma Project is working with Free 2 Be to overcome.
What’s in a name?
There are two schools of thought with regard to the origins of the name “Bungoma”.
The first theory is that it was named after the Bungomek, a clan of Sabaot origins who were driven out by the Bukusu.
The second is that it is named after “engoma,” the Bukusu word for “drums”. The Bukusu elders would play the drums at their meetings, which could be heard from a great distance away.
Tourism
Visitor numbers are growing for the area, with many travellers heading to Bungoma to explore the Mount Elgon National Forest and occasionally see wildlife. There are small numbers of elephants and leopards still living in the national park, while a large community of monkeys live on the mountain itself.
The dormant volcano (which overlaps the Ugandan border) is well worth a visit, in order to view its massive crater. Reaching the crater is only really for the able-bodied, because of the hike through a dense bamboo and polycarbus forest.