Insecurity affects tourism in Kisumu

The high incidences of insecurity within Kisumu city, if not quickly addressed, will affect local tourism.

For a long time, Kisumu has seen emergence of militia groups such as the Baghdad Boys, China Squad and ‘42 Brothers’ which operate in major estates like Nyalenda, Nyamasaria and Kondele. Police with the help of area residents, through community policing, have been able to track down the dangerous gangs at some point.

The ragtag militias that operate within estates have been linked to killings, rape incidents and all sorts of mayhem.

Kisumu attracts both local and international tourists and that can be proved by the emergence of various luxury hotels.

It should also not be forgotten that most primary and secondary schools students, as well as those from institutions of higher learning, are fond of visiting the city during their academic tours.

The Kisumu county government set up the ministry of Tourism, Trade and Heritage to ensure the area remains good for both local and international tourist.

A key prerequisite for tourism industry is stable security. Who will visit an area that is dangerous?

It is obvious that youths in Kisumu, just like their peers across the country, lack employment. But that does not mean that robbery is the only way out?

There are a lot of things young people can do to get their daily bread. I feel that forming dangerous groups is not an option among the many choices available in life.

As Kisumu strives to grow, with good roads, malls and real estate businesses coming up, tourism is important as well.