KISUMU, Kenya, Jul 24 — Once branded a “gangland” and a hotbed of violent political protests, Kondele is now rewriting its story — transforming into one of Kisumu’s most vibrant business hubs.
For decades, the lakeside neighborhood was synonymous with political thuggery, bloodshed, and the destruction of property.
Kondele’s name often dominated headlines whenever protests, locally known as maandamano, erupted in Kisumu.
But that image is quickly fading.
“It happened once that maandamano didn’t even start here, and everybody said, ‘No more maandamano in Kondele,’” recalls James Ochieng Maaina, a tout who has worked in the area for over 20 years. “That’s when we knew things had changed.”
Battlefield to business Hub
Kondele’s reputation for unrest dates back to 1969, when deadly clashes erupted during the opening of the Russian-funded hospital that now houses the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Then-President Jomo Kenyatta had just fired his deputy, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and tensions boiled over, leaving several dead.
Since then, every administration — from Daniel arap Moi to Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta — has faced unrest starting from Kondele.
President William Ruto too was not spared while campaigning for the 2022 elections as Deputy President. His vehicle stoned in the area in a dramatic turn of events.
But today, Kondele is experiencing a different kind of energy. Following the political détente between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, the area has been calm — even during the recent Gen Z-led protests sparked by anti-Finance Bill agitation in June 2024.
“The last protests didn’t take place here because the starting point has embraced peace,” James Ochieng Maaina, a tout, says.
A 24-hour economy
That peace has paved the way for an economic revival.
Kondele, strategically positioned at the junction linking Kisumu to Kakamega, Busia, Kibos, and Nairobi, has morphed into a 24-hour retail and entertainment hub.
“Here we do business all through, no closing. Customers are in plenty,” says Lyne Ouma, who works at a local eatery.
The area now boasts at least seven supermarkets, new hotels, timber yards, pharmacies, clothing stores, and eateries.
Nightlife is thriving, with bars, entertainment spots, and food joints catering to Kisumu’s growing 24-hour economy.
Antony Kwache, Chairperson of Winam Maendeleo Traders, blames politics for Kondele’s negative image in the past but insists the tide is turning.
“Kondele is becoming one of the serious hubs in the periphery of Kisumu. With the CBD slowing down after the relocation of traders, Kondele is emerging as the alternative,” he says.
The opening of high-end establishments like the Carla Premier Hotel underscores investor confidence in the area.
“Kondele was once ignored due to political hooliganism, but now it’s attracting serious investments,” says Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga.
“We must continue improving infrastructure, ensuring safety, and encouraging partnerships to make it even better.”
Abala has been vocal about combating crime, saying insecurity drives away investors.
He has called for stronger collaboration between residents, security agencies, and vigilantes to secure the growing hub.
As Kisumu’s Central Business District slows down, Kondele’s transformation offers a glimpse of how political calm and strategic location can turn even the most stigmatized neighborhoods into thriving economic powerhouses.
