When the British got to the Wanga Kingdom under Nabongo Mumia in 1883 they turned it into their administrative centre for the region.
RELATED: Why Environmental Enrichment Matters in Urban Homes
1). The British established Kakamega as a small military and administrative post in 1903
2). The British colonial administration made Kakamega an official government post on July 1, 1909 and the administrative station shifted from Mumias to Kakamega
3). Kakamega was considered to have a healthier climate and a more strategic, elevated location
4). Kakamega was less prone to the tropical heat and illnesses associated with lower-lying areas like Mumias
RELATED: Why Maize is Kenya’s most important agricultural and dietary crop
5). The British declared Kakamega the headquarters for the entire North Kavirondo District of the Kenya Colony in 1920
6). Kakamega was further gazetted as a township, eventually becoming the full district and provincial headquarters for the entire North Kavirondo, i.e the Luyia-speaking region
RELATED: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against Lightning
7). The transfer of the administrative role from Mumias to Kakamega was officially gazetted in 1927
RELATED: Kenya to Host The First Pan-African Commemoration of African Slave Trade and Colonialism
8). Infrastructure like roads, shops and hotels sprung up to support the administrative boom of nestling Kakamega town, eventually reducing Mumias to a minor trading centre.
#kakamega #northkavirondo #militarypost #administrativepost #britisheastafricaprotectorate #kenyacolony #westernprovince #kakamegadistrict
