Changing tourism investment strategy in protecting Nyamira's untapped sites

Keera Water Fall in West Mugirango in Nyamira. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

The Nyamira County Government to preserve the site from land grabbing and encroachment as even as the World today marks Tourism Day, under the theme "Tourism and green investment" which highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN roadmap for a better world by 2030.

The World seeks time for new and innovative solutions to promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

During the migrations, the Abagusii people are believed to have first settled on famous Emanga hill before moving to other parts of Gusii region.

The Abagusii community refers to this hill as the Emanga ridge. Standing on this hill, one can see the beautiful landscapes of Kisii's sprawling town.

The hill is full of caves and massive rocks that provided shelter for the people and allowed warriors to spot the enemy during attacks.

Manga Hills served as the first court, which was known as Ritongo during the colonial era and was useful in settling disputes and negotiating dowry prices.

The courts could later be refurbished and opened by Retired Chief Justice David Maraga on the eve of his departure from office in 2020.

The hill has an endless hole known as Engoro Ya Manga, which is thought to have connected to Lake Victoria.

Stories are told of why, when it was bound to rain, the region becomes extremely hot and dry, the ridge will burn and heavy rains will follow. Residents are said to see fire-burning bushes at night, but when they return the next day, they will find no evidence of the mysterious fire.

Bernard Maina, the Nyamira County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, Industry and Cooperatives says they will begin the process to demarcate the Emanga ridge and put in place programs to market both Ekeera WaterFall.

"We must appreciate and encourage our people to invest in visiting these sites; we market them locally and internationally. We will improve accessibility to all other tourist attractions sites."

According to Maina, they will improve facilities at Emanga including putting modern leisure facilities to make it more appealing.

"We need to have an appealing scenery that can attract tourists from outside Nyamira and even outside the Country. The Manga hills contain several historical facts; we will preserve this."