Kisumu

Kisumu (kēsOO'mOO) [key], city (1989 est. pop. 185,100), capital of Nyanza prov., SW Kenya, on Kavirondo Gulf (an arm of Lake Victoria). It is the principal lake port of Kenya, its third largest city, and the commercial center of a prosperous farm region. Manufactures include refined sugar, frozen fish, textiles, beer, and processed sisal. An ethanol plant was built in the 1980s. The city is developing a tourist industry with the attractions of Lake Victoria and nearby wildlife. The railroad from Mombasa reached Kisumu in 1901. The city was formerly called Port Florence.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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