Best Things to Do in Bondo and Why It’s a Hidden Gem for Property Investment

Bondo is a small town in Siaya County, western Kenya. You can reach it from Kisumu Town via the Akala–Ndori road. The town is well known as the birthplace of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a respected leader who was deeply loved by the Luo community.

Bondo is quickly becoming a promising place to live, visit, and invest in real estate. The town is developing fast, thanks to its growing popularity, the presence of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), its proximity to Lake Victoria, and its well-built roads.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, exploring investment opportunities, or looking for a quiet place to settle, Bondo offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and growth potential.

Best Areas to Visit in Bondo

There are plenty of places to visit in Bondo, such as:

1. Visit the Home of Raila Odinga at Opoda Farm

The home of this legendary leader is in Bondo. After seeking treatment in India, he passed away on Wednesday, 15th October 2025. His father, who fought for Kenya’s independence, is also buried at Opoda Farm. This area is considered sacred and was a special place for Raila to relax when he returned home from his political duties.

Raila also farmed on this large piece of land and kept animals like cows, goats, and sheep. Opoda Farm is worth visiting to see where Jaramogi’s son, known by many names such as Baba, Enigma, Jakom, and Tinga, was laid to rest.

2. Visit to See the Gold Mining Activities in Asembo–Ramba–Lumba Area

Asembo has been producing gold for many years, and most locals rely on it for their income. The gold mines are about a 20-minute drive from Bondo, near Ramba Boys High School. Large excavations in the area show where people have dug for these valuable minerals.

Gold mining has made some families wealthy after they sold their gold-rich land to Chinese companies that came to mine in the area.

The area is also developing into a market center. Investors have built rental houses to provide accommodation for miners working nearby.

3. Explore Usenge Beach

Bondo is close to the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The lake offers a great environment for fishing, boat rides, and photography. The nearby beaches are also lively attractions for both locals and tourists.

Development near the lake has led to the opening of luxury hotels, swimming pools, and guest houses for visitors, which has increased demand for local property.

4. Visit Akala and Ndori Market

Akala is worth a visit for its sugarcane, bananas, and mangoes. Although it is a small market, business is usually booming, especially on market days—Wednesday and Saturday. It is a short distance from Bondo on the way to Kisumu. Along the road, you will often see women selling fruits and sugarcane, sometimes approaching vehicles at bus stops.

The market is growing and now has several rental houses, shops, Akala Hospital, and schools. The largest institution nearby is Ramba Boys High School near Ndori Market, along with Kaudha Secondary and Malele Secondary.

5. Visit Historical and Cultural Landmarks: Got Ramogi Hills

The main historical area, Got Ramogi Hills, is a historical site believed to be the ancestral home of the Luo people. Named after Ramogi Ajwang’, the father of the Luo, history says the Luos first settled here during their migration from Southern Sudan. Cultural tourism has led to the growth of guesthouses, lodges, and art centers, all of which require new real estate developments.

6. Explore Land Opportunities in Bondo

Outside the main town, places like Uyoma, Aram, Nyamonye, and Usigu offer large plots of land that are ideal for residential or commercial projects. These areas are quiet, safe, have plenty of greenery, and are easily accessible via paved roads.

Land in these locations is affordable. The county government supports development in rural wards, and the region has great potential for holiday homes and farmhouses.

7. Enjoy Entertainment and Food in Bondo Town

Bondo has several large hotels that offer quality services and food. These include Bondo Pride Hotel, which has a swimming pool and accommodation, Don Hotel Bondo on Usenge Road, and Sadybeh Hotel, which features a relaxing garden.

Bondo is also known for its entertainment scene, with several bars and nightclubs such as Kings Club, The Nilotic Club, and Terminal 3 Club.

Why Bondo is a Hidden Gem in Siaya County for Real Estate Investment

• Affordable land: Land prices here are much lower than in bigger towns like Nairobi, and there are fewer risks such as corruption.
• Growing demand: The opening of universities like JOOUST and improved road infrastructure have led to a rising demand for rental houses.
• Peaceful environment: This area is perfect for retirees and anyone looking for a quiet place to live.

Conclusion

Bondo is a place where lifestyle and investment potential come together. Here, you can enjoy nature, culture, and peace while benefiting from a growing property market.

If you are thinking about investing in real estate in western Kenya, Bondo is one of the top emerging towns to watch.