Long overlooked in Kenya’s tourism landscape, Western Kenya is now turning to adventure tourism to attract a growing number of both local and international visitors. In partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), counties in the region are investing in outdoor experiences to boost visibility and revenue.
According to the 2025 Economic Survey, Kenya recorded a 14.7% increase in international arrivals in 2024, with 2.39 million visitors. Over 3.7 million people explored national parks and reserves, while 1.15 million visited museums and cultural sites. However, the Nyanza and Western regions still lag behind in tourism infrastructure, with only 103 accredited hotels, far fewer than Nairobi’s 285 or the Coast’s 242.
To address this, sites like Kakamega Forest Reserve and Ruma National Park have introduced adventure activities such as hiking and cycling to attract new tourists. “We’ve introduced cycling as part of our tourism strategy, an experience similar to Hell’s Gate,” said a warden at Ruma National Park, which is home to the endangered Roan Antelope.
The KTB’s “Magharibi Edition” campaign aims to promote underexplored gems like Ruma, whose breathtaking scenery and biodiversity are earning praise from visitors. “I saw a Roan Antelope during the hike, it was fascinating,” said Patience, a tourist. Another visitor, Martina, added, “As a cyclist, I want to showcase Kenya’s beauty, especially in the western region.”
Ruma recently hosted a cycling event as part of the World Bicycle Relief campaign, which raises funds to supply bicycles to students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs. The initiative not only highlighted the park’s unique trails but also drew public interest to the region’s tourism potential.
“We’ve seen buffalo and had a great time at Ruma. We also plan to visit Kisumu and Kakamega,” said Mason, another visitor.
Locals are optimistic that adventure tourism will revitalize the region. “This offers an affordable alternative to coastal tourism and will attract more visitors,” noted a resident.
Beyond sporting activities, Ruma National Park is also a biodiversity haven. “The Roan Antelope population is now slightly above 30, and bird species have increased. We’re optimistic about the next four years,” said the park’s warden.
As Kenya taps into global adventure tourism trends, Western Kenya is stepping up as a vibrant new destination with untapped potential.
Written By Rodney Mbua
