This archive report was first published on 27 September 2021.
Located in Gem Constituency, Siaya County, Ndanu Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Nyanza. With a beautiful and natural rocky backyard, it has attracted local and foreign tourists for years, who visit the place to meditate or enjoy the beautiful scenery.
However, the falls are slowly losing their sparkle due to several challenges. Situated along the River Yala, 500m from Yala town and 200m from the Kisumu-Busia road, Ndanu is faced with underdevelopment of neighboring sites, lack of diversification of tourism products, and improper management.
According to Siaya Director of Communications Auscar Wambiya, the falls have a hippo pool and colobus monkey, and scenic views of the waters of River Yala beneath the lush hills of Gem. He also notes that the area has historical stones with human footprints and a footbridge that connects the two sides of the River Yala.
However, county officials warn of snakes and lizards found within the waterfall, advising tourists to be careful or have a local tour guide when visiting the site. In the past, the falls had a dark side, with several reported suicide cases.
Yala Township MCA William Kenyanyi blames the slow development of the potential tourism site on residents, citing a land tussle that led to an American investor backing off from a hotel project. He also notes that a section of residents moved to court to stop the county from renovating the site, claiming it was part of their land.
Despite the setbacks, the County Government has rolled out several plans and interventions to renovate the potential tourism site. These include capacity building of tourism service providers, resource mobilisation from stakeholders, construction of the cultural centre and Odera Akang'o cell, and encouraging local and foreign investors to invest in the tourism industry.
According to Wambiya, the waterfall brings about local and foreign exchange, as tourists buy the local produce from the residents. He also notes that having the locals work as cleaners and tour guides would lead to job creation.
Wambiya emphasizes the need for a major development plan that would put into place security measures, clear the area for easy accessibility, and renovate or replace the footbridge.
