Kisumu

Kisumu is a port city in western Kenya, with a population of 322,724 (1999 census). It is the third largest city in Kenya, the principal city of western Kenya and the capital of Nyanza Province. It is also the headquarters of Kisumu District. It has no municipal charter.

Kisumu is situated on the north tip of Winam Gulf, which in itself is part of Kavirondo Gulf of Lake Victoria. The port was founded in 1901 as the main inland terminal of the Uganda Railway and named Port Florence.

Lake Victoria ferries have operated from the port linking the railway to Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell and Jinja.

Before the jet airline era, Kisumu was a landing point on the British flying boat passenger and mail route from Southampton to Cape Town. Kisumu linked Port Bell and Nairobi.

Kisumu ia served by an airport, with regular daily flights to Nairobi and elsewhere. There are plans to expand the airport in anticipation of increased trade brought about by the recreated East African Community (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda).

The city has 'Friendship' status with Cheltenham, UK.