Mama Sara Obama's home to be gazetted as tourist site, says Rasanga

Siaya, Kenya: The home of Mama Sara Obama, the grandmother of US President Barack Obama, is set to become a major tourist site in Siaya County.

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga said the home has received tremendous local and international attention in the recent past since there are many people keen to see President Obama's roots.

Rasanga was speaking to The Standard when Kisumu Bureau Chief Frank Otieno and Nyanza Commercial Team Leader Irene Rota visited him in his office.

The governor said plans were underway to set aside funds that would facilitate infrastructural development in the county to make it more attractive to tourists.

"Our aim is to ensure that the county's tourist sites are identified and appropriate attention given to them to enable the county reap maximum returns from the sector," Rasanga said.

Rasanga said he appreciated the role media plays in promoting tourism in the country and pledged that his administration would continue partnering with the media for the county's overall development agenda.

The governor said while the county has a number of major tourist sites which include Lake Victoria, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Nyamira, Lake Kanyaboli and Yala Swamp Wetlands, there are many other potential tourist sites in the area which have remained dormant due to negligence.

"With proper management, these places can be renovated to offer employment to hundreds of Siaya residents as well as provide revenue for the county government," he said.

Giving an example of Mama Sara's home, the governor said infrastructural, economic and social development has taken place around Kogelo village simply because the home, which draws numerous visitors, is located there.

Mama Sara's home first attracted global attention in 2005 when Obama became Senator of the State of Illinois in the US and again when he clinched the Presidency in 2007.