Kisumu, Kenya 🇰🇪
#379 -0.10291, 34.754176

Nomad Score: 56%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Kisumu is a port city on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya's western region.
👥 Population Approx. 500,000
💻 Internet Speed Average speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 50 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 138 KES; ATM availability is common, major cards accepted.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable without boiling or filtering.
🔌 Power 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets
📶 SIM Card Safaricom and Airtel offer reliable service and data packages.
💳 Banking for Expats Local banks such as KCB and Equity Bank; international banks like Stanbic available.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from hotels to Airbnb; prices vary from $15/night for budget stays.
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, M-Pesa is widely accepted for payments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local rental agencies are popular, costs approx. $30-$60/night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostels like Rusinga Island Lodge and Kasarani's budget guest houses.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Kisumu Business Incubation Center
☕ Best Cafe for Work Java House, known for a good Wi-Fi connection.
💼 Networking Events Monthly meetups organized by Kisumu Connect.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Kisumu Expats Facebook Group hosts regular gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Uber is available, as well as local taxi services.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Boda-boda (motorbike taxis) are popular for short distances.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Dunga Hill Camp, about 10 mins from the city center.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Jambojet operates flights to Nairobi and Mombasa.
✈️ Top International Airline Kenya Airways operates flights to major international destinations.
🛣️ Highway Access Accessible via A1 road connecting to Nairobi and Uganda.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Kisumu Railway Station, connecting to Nairobi.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Matatus (shared minibuses) are the main form of public transport.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses to nearby cities like Eldoret and Nairobi are available.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Kisumu County Referral Hospital offers localized services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers The Yoga House offers classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness Club Kisumu has decent facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundromats, such as Sparkle Cleaners, provide services.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Jumia Food is widely used for deliveries.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Fish and ugali; try local eateries by the lake.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Veggie Licious offers a variety of plant-based dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Brew Bistro for delicious pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Kisumu Central Market for fresh produce.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Jumia and Kilimall provide online shopping options.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Kilimall offers grocery delivery services.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Waterfront Kisumu has vibrant nightlife.
🍻 Local Brewery Tuskys Brewery is establishing local craft beer.
🍷 Wine Bars The Corner Bar offers a selection of wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Visit the lakefront for fresh fish and local snacks.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Various options, including Indian and Chinese restaurants available.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Kisumu Museum showcases local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites Old Port of Kisumu has historical significance.
🕍 Religious Sites All Saints Cathedral is worth visiting.
🎉 Annual Events Kisumu International Water Sports Festival is a highlight.
🎨 Cultural Districts Visit Dunga for cultural immersion.
🎭 Theater Venues Kisumu Cultural Center hosts various performances.
🛍️ Local Markets Kisumu Central Market is a bustling highlight.
🎼 Music Scene Enjoy local and international music at The Citrus Lounge.
🎨 Street Art Explore murals and artworks in Kisumu's downtown.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local culinary schools offer cooking classes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Kisumu Art Gallery showcases regional artists.
🕰️ Historic Buildings The Old Kisumu Railway Station.
🏴 Local Heritage Cultural festivals celebrate Luo traditions.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Siosembe Island offers beautiful landscape views.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Ruma National Park is accessible within a few hours.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The Nyando River Path is great for cycling.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The Kisumu Waterfront offers great views of Lake Victoria.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is famous for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Dunga Hill Camp allows a bonfire experience.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and FedEx have offices in Kisumu.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Many shops on Oginga Odinga Rd offer mobile repairs.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Available at various sports clubs in the area.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Kisumu Language School offers classes in Swahili.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Kisumu Public Library provides a quiet place to read.
🏘️ Community Centers Kisumu Cultural Center hosts various community activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Look for local cafes with gaming facilities.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Golden Horse Casino offers gaming experiences.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 30%
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 5%
🏦 Tax System Worldwide income basis for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 30%
🧾 VAT 16%
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, regulations apply.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, based on assessed value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Approx. 2% on property purchases.