OSIEKO REGION

Osieko is located in western Kenya and lies on the peripheries of Budalangi constituency, Busia county and Bondo constituency, Siaya county. (Formerly known as Busia, Western province and Siaya, Nyanza province).

 

Osieko is situated around Lake Victoria, a fresh-water lake and a reservoir of the Nile.

L.Victoria is part of the Great Lakes and one of the largest lakes in Africa.

Unbeknown to many, the region falls under the jurisdiction of two county administrations, namely; Busia county and Siaya county.

The areas' population consists of the Abanyalas, a luhya community; the Luo community; the Yimbo community; and several other business communities. In recent years; some parts of the island may have experienced a visible surge in the number of residents and a continuous influx of visitors and business traders.

At times referred to as majimbo, the island is village like with a countryside ambience; simply stated, it's one kind of a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Topographically; it is within the precincts of the lake basin region. It’s land-mass is partly covered by vast patches of low-lying areas; sections with level plains; tracts of undulating surfaces; and areas with stony or rocky slopes. Amidst this ecosystem; the region is surrounded by lush green canopy atop the forested hills.

Structurally, a bridge runs several meters across the lake. This passage connects Usenge to the lakeshore village-Osieko village, the Osieko beach and other neighboring localities. At this juncture, flows the tributaries and the convergence of river Nzoia and the Yala river catchment. Here, the waters drain into Lake victoria. Past the bridge: A ride along the tarmacked road ends at the Osieko fishing beach. At the shores; and standing at a vantage point, the distant horizon gives a hazy view of the terrain and landscapes bordering the neighboring country of Uganda. On the same stretch, you may observe the suns' path i.e through its' zenith to its' sunset."At the backdrop, the sun slowly disappears while shifting colors and fading into the oblivion", adds a local observer.

Lined up in a strip or with clusters of small scale businesses, the area is in a rural setting with a few business centers. Other than that, the community continues to emphasize on the growth and development of the regions'infrastructure, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, social centers or community centers etc.

This lake basin region is tropical in nature; and according to several citations; it has an equatorial type of climate; its' environment is serene, tranquil and scenic; that makes it a good destination for aesthetic, leisure based and water-based tourism. The list is not exhaustive; the preceding may also factor in; cultural events, pastimes and other recreational activities etc.That is Osieko...The Lakeside village with a countryside ambience...

Distances (Approximate) from various parts of the country are as follows: By Road-

(I) Nairobi to Osieko-450.5 km

(II) Kisumu city to Osieko-106 km

(III) Osieko Beach to Usenge Township-Approx 9 km

(IV) Osieko fishing beach to Sio port, Busia- the distance between these locations depends on the route taken. Distance by road varies from 59.1 km to 95 km (1 hr 57 minutes to 2 hrs).

Water transportation includes: Ferries, speedboats, and motorboats etc.

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