Kisii, Kenya

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Coordinates: 0°41′S 34°46′E
Kisii, Kenya
Kisii, Kenya
Province	Nyanza Province
District	Kisii District
Elevation	1,700 m (5,577.4 ft)
Population (1999)
- City	59,248
- Urban	25,634
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
- Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+1)

This article refers to the city of kisii. For the district of the same name, see Kisii District

Kisii town, located in south-western Kenya, is the main urban and commercial centre in Gusii Highlands. The Kisii municipality has a population of nearly 70,000, according to 2002 estimates. Kisii town is the capital of the Kisii District. The town was formerly the headquarters of the larger Kisii district before it was split to create Nyamira and Gucha districts. However, the town continues to serve these districts and the larger South Nyanza and Transmara region in terms of commerce.

1 Economy
2 People
3 Housing conditions
4 External links

[edit] Economy

There are few industrial activities in the town although potential for agro-based industries exists because the town is located in a rich agricultural area. Soapstone quarrying also takes place near the town.

[edit] People

The town has a sizeable number of Indian, Kikuyu and other communities who are also involved in trade although the Gusii seem to be more prominent. However, the Indians have recently bought several properties from the Gusii which they are developing into supermarkets and highrise buildings at the center of the town.

[edit] Housing conditions

The town is poorly drained and the only sewerage was formerly in the Daraja Mbili area of the town but this has been moved outside the town. The town has an acute shortage of land and most of its suburbs have developed without proper planning.