Kenya Vihiga History: A Comprehensive Overview



Kenya Vihiga is a county in the western part of Kenya. It is bordered by Kakamega County to the north, Nandi County to the east, Kisumu County to the south, and Busia County to the west. It is the second-largest county in the country, with an area of 2,484 square kilometers. It is home to over one million people, most of whom are of the Luhya ethnic group.

The history of Kenya Vihiga dates back to the early 19th century. It was originally part of the Kingdom of Maragoli, which was established by the Maragoli people in the early 1800s. The kingdom was ruled by a succession of chiefs, who were responsible for the administration of the area. In the mid-1800s, the kingdom was divided into two parts: the northern part was known as the Maragoli Confederacy, while the southern part was known as the Vihiga Confederacy.

The Vihiga Confederacy was ruled by a succession of chiefs, including Chief Masinde, who is credited with introducing the first written laws to the area. During this period, the area was largely agricultural, and the people of Vihiga were known for their skill in farming and trading. In the late 1800s, the British colonial government began to take an interest in the area, and in 1895, the area was declared a British protectorate.

In the early 1900s, the British government began to implement reforms in the area, including the introduction of a new system of land tenure. This system allowed for the ownership of land by individuals, rather than by the traditional chiefs. This change led to increased economic activity in the area, and the population began to grow rapidly.

In the late 1940s, the British government began to recognize the need for a more formal administrative structure in the area. In 1947, the British government created the Vihiga District, which was made up of the former Maragoli and Vihiga Confederacies. In 1952, the district was renamed the Vihiga County, and it became part of the new Kenyan state.

Today, Kenya Vihiga is a vibrant and diverse county. It is home to a wide variety of cultures and ethnic groups, and it has a thriving economy. It is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Maragoli Falls, the Maragoli National Park, and the Vihiga Cultural Centre. It is also home to a number of educational institutions, including the University of Vihiga, which was established in 1967.

Kenya Vihiga is an important part of Kenya's history and culture, and it is a great place to visit. Whether you are interested in the history of the area or the vibrant culture, Kenya Vihiga has something to offer everyone.