| Kisii, Kenya | |
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  Kisii, Kenya
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| Coordinates: 0°41′S 34°46′E / 0.683°S 34.767°E | |
| Province | Nyanza Province |
| District | Kisii District |
| Elevation | 1,700 m (5,577 ft) |
| Population (1999) | |
| - City | 59,248 |
| - Urban | 25,634 |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+1) |
- This article refers to the city of kisii. For the district of the same name, see Kisii District
Kisii town, located in south-western Kenya, is the main urban and commercial centre in Gusii Highlands. The Kisii municipality has a population of nearly 70,000, according to 2002 estimates. Kisii town is the capital of the Kisii District. The town was formerly the headquarters of the larger Kisii district before it was split to create Nyamira and Gucha districts. However, the town continues to serve these districts and the larger South Nyanza and Transmara region in terms of commerce.
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Economy
There are few industrial activities in the town although potential for agro-based industries exists because the town is located in a rich agricultural area. Soapstone quarrying also takes place near the town.
Education
Due the large population and ever increasing demand for education,most public universities and colleges have set up new campuses and branches in the town.The notable kenyan instutions that have set up in the town include Nairobi University,Masinde Muliro University,Moi university.
People
The town has a sizeable number of Indian, Kikuyu and other communities who are also involved in trade although the Gusii seem to be more prominent. However, the Indians have recently bought several properties from the Gusii which they are developing into supermarkets and highrise buildings at the center of the town.Over the past few years the town has experienced tremendous growth especially with the entry of firms in the town.The town now hosts large supermarket chains e.g.Tuskys,Nakumatt.Most banks e.g.Equity,Eco-bank and K-Rep have also launched new branches in the town taking advantage of the large population and the positioning of Kisii as a center town.
Housing conditions
The town is poorly drained and the only sewerage formerly in the Daraja Mbili area of the town but this has been moved outside the town. The town has an acute shortage of land and most of its suburbs have developed without proper planning.
External links
Coordinates: 0°41′S 34°46′E / 0.683°S 34.767°E
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