Kisumu has been and is still Kenya's third largest city after Nairobi and Mombasa.
The city is widely known for the flamboyance exhibited by its native people who arguably love high-end life.
However, unlike Nairobi and Mombasa where major roads and streets are named after foreigners, Kisumu is unique. The town's most prominent roads are named after Kenyans who played an instrumental role in the liberation of the country from British rule.
The three roads;
1. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Street
The road is named after the man who alongside Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta ushered in the self-rule for Kenya. Jaramogi is remembered as one of the seven people who was jailed by the British in Kapenguria as they agitated for independence. He became the first Vice President when Jomo Kenyatta became President. He died on 20th January 1994.
2. Tom Mboya Street
The name Tom Mboya is widely known in Kenya as well as overseas. He was one of the most eloquent Cabinet Ministers Kenya has ever had. Mboya's name does not only feature in Kisumu streets as one of Nairobi's most busy roads - Tom Mboya Street is also named after him. His influence put him in trouble during Kenyatta's regime as the two leaders fell out, just like Jaramogi did with Kenyatta. He died on 5th July 1969.
3. Jomo Kenyatta Street
The road is named after Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta. It is the road that connects Kisumu to Kakamega, the headquarters of the former Western Province. Jomo Kenyatta died on 22nd August 1978.