Members of the public go about their business along Homa Bay-Rongo road in Homa Bay County. George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Ashton James’ phone rings incessantly throughout the day — an unrelenting barrage of calls, messages and WhatsApp notifications.
Most of these messages come from individuals desperately seeking accommodation in Homa Bay as they prepare to attend this year’s Devolution Conference that starts on August 12-15.
But the callers are met with disheartening news as James no longer has any available space at his facility, so he redirects them to places like Kisii town, some 55.6 kilometres away.
James is a stalwart in the hospitality industry, running a thriving business that leases properties for short-term rentals. His enterprise offers a more personal and flexible alternative to conventional hotels.
Public service vehicles at Homa Bay Town bus park.
Until recently, business had been relatively quiet with only a trickle of inquiries. However, everything changed in May when Homa Bay prepared to host the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations.
The region was soon inundated with visitors, stretching local resources including hotels and Airbnb properties to their limit.
By the time the event arrived, all available accommodations had been booked weeks in advance. Those who hesitated were left with no choice but to seek lodging beyond the town’s borders.
James was one of the fortunate few whose business flourished during the national festivities.
“We received a flood of calls from people in search of a place to rest their heads. Most of our properties were fully booked,” he recalls.
A similar scenario is unfolding this week, with no signs of slowing down. The county is bracing for an influx of at least 10,000 delegates attending the 2025 Devolution Conference.
In addition, Homa Bay will host the second edition of the Roan Antelope Half Marathon on August 10, which will undoubtedly draw even more visitors – further intensifying pressure on local accommodation.
James fears the chaos witnessed during the Madaraka Day celebrations will likely be repeated.
“The crisis is already evident as we are forced to turn away calls from potential guests seeking lodging,” he laments.
Operators in the region have formed a WhatsApp group to facilitate communication about availability.
However, James reports that no one has any rooms left.
“As of now, all facilities are fully booked,” he says with resignation.
In light of the shortage, members of the group are now appealing to homeowners in Homa Bay Town who live in other counties to open their doors to visitors.
“We are turning to social media pleading with anyone who has an unoccupied property to let us use it to accommodate guests,” James explains.
Other operators are experiencing a similar surge in demand with many redirecting visitors to alternative locations.
Major hotels fully booked
Janet Achieng, an Airbnb host in Homa Bay, confirmed that all her properties have been booked by conference-goers. She owns additional properties in Oyugis and Kisii, where she has referred some of her clients.
“I am certain no one will find accommodation in Homa Bay Town. I haveve begun directing clients to Kisii and Oyugis although those are now filling up quickly. We have increased security measures to ensure the safety of our guests,” she asserts.
Major hotels in the area are also fully booked and are preparing to capitalise on the expected surge in revenue.
Cold Springs Hotel, with its 70 rooms – including four presidential suites – has already been entirely reserved by members of the Council of Governors and other dignitaries attending the Devolution Conference.
Street named in Homa Bay Town named after Governor Gladys Wanga.
Operations Manager Dickson Osore notes that bookings were made as early as June and the hotel has made meticulous preparations to ensure the comfort of its guests.
“We learned valuable lessons from Madaraka Day and made necessary adjustments including arranging transportation to ferry guests from the conference venue to the hotel for lunch – at our expense,” Mr Osore reflects.
Despite these efforts, Mr Osore continues to receive calls from people searching for accommodation. He concedes that many visitors may be forced to travel to Kisii or Kisumu to find a place to stay.
“Most of our guests will check in from August 11 and depart on the 16th. But during that period, we simply have no space,” he explains.
A similar situation prevails at Golden Rays and Twin Towers hotels.
Maurice Ouma, the manager of both establishments, reports that all 16 rooms at Golden Rays and 35 rooms at Twin Towers are fully booked by conference delegates.
Mr Ouma, who also manages Tausi Hotel – which has 26 rooms – shares that he is still fielding requests for accommodation.
“We are referring these inquiries to Tausi, which is slightly farther out of town. That is why its booking rate has been slower. Many people prefer staying within the central business district,” he observes.
Small-scale traders are also eager to capitalise on the influx of visitors. Quinter Akinyi and Pamela Otieno, who run a food kiosk in Homa Bay Town, are hopeful that some conference attendees will opt for their more affordable offerings.
Street in Homa Bay Town named after the late Ndhiwa MP Orwa Ojode.
“Not everyone will want to dine at upscale hotels. Many prefer the simplicity and charm of local food kiosks, and wa are keen to cater to this demand,” says Ms Akinyi.
Geoffrey Okoth, an official at the Homa Bay Giant Traders Association, confirms that market vendors have engaged with the county government to secure permission to set up stalls within the conference venue.
“We requested that fruit sellers be allowed to operate on-site so delegates can easily purchase fresh produce and also suggested that space be designated for fish traders to sell fried fish to delegates attending the conference,” Mr Okoth notes.
The accommodation crisis caught the attention of President William Ruto during a stakeholder meeting at the Homa Bay State Lodge on May 31. Recognising the challenge, he called upon investors to address the issue.
“We have seen the difficulties caused by the lack of accommodation, and I encourage investors to seize this opportunity. More hotels must be built in this region to ensure that future visitors do not find themselves stranded. Don’t invest elsewhere – there is a significant opportunity for the hotel industry to thrive here in Homa Bay,” President Ruto urged.
