Ten Prominent Landmarks In Kisumu

Landmarks are distinctive features that can easily capture the essence and history of a city or town and Kisumu, a bustling city in Kenya, is no exception, and it has several such landmarks spread across the area. In no particular order, below are some of the landmarks that can be found in Kisumu.

1. Kisumu Clock Tower

This iconic clock tower stands at the center of Kisumu’s Central Business District. Erected in 1938 in memory of Kassim Lakha, a prominent early settler in the town. The tower has become a symbol of the city’s past and present. It was recently renovated to preserve its historic place in the city.

2. One Kentons Square

One Kenton is a modern commercial office building in Kisumu’s Central Business District. The building stands at 9 stories tall with a sleek, stunning glass exterior finish that’s made it one of the most photographed buildings in the city in the recent past.

3. Nyanza Provincial Headquarters House

 

This massive 14-storeyed building houses the county government of Kisumu. And the governor’s offices. Originally meant to be occupied by the provincial admin, the building is an imposing, hard-to-miss sight in the city’s skyline. In our childhood years, we famously called it “Ka Mugoya” (Mugoya’s) after the Ugandan contractor who built it.

4. Mega Plaza

The 17 floors of each twin tower of Mega Plaza sprouted from the already functioning lower building of the Mega Plaza mall smack in the CBD. It’s jutting gloriously upwards and effortlessly becoming the tallest building in Kisumu.

5. Varsity Plaza

This 14-story building was formerly the Kenya National Assurance House. It’s now named Varsity Plaza after Maseno University acquired it for its Kisumu City campus.

6. Kisumu International Airport

The recently expanded airport serves the city of Kisumu and the surrounding region. The airport has a single runway and a modern terminal building. It serves several airlines with dozens of flights daily.

7. Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground

A large sports complex cum public park in the middle of the city. It hosts several sporting disciplines like football, basketball, hockey, and Volleyball. It has a public square for social and political gatherings.

8. Kisumu Port

This inland port on Lake Victoria serves as a gateway to two neighboring countries, Uganda and Tanzania. The port is a central hub for cargo and passenger transport and was recently revamped to include a ship-building yard.

9. Kondele Flyover/Roundabout

Kisumu’s story is only complete with the bold, energetic Kondele. Nothing represents the area better than the flyover and roundabout, which act as meeting points for the people’s social, political, and economic interests.

10. Lake Basin Mall

This modern, expansive shopping complex in Kisumu’s Mamboleo area, along Kakamega road, approximately 10 minutes from the city center, offers a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It also houses a hotel.

If you’re visiting or doing business in Kisumu, add these places to your list of must-see and/or must-photograph locations. They are famous landmarks that help put Kisumu on the map.