Things To Do
in Busia

Fresh Lake Victoria tilapia, commonly grilled or fried and served with ugali and sukuma wiki (collard greens); find it at lakeside stalls or market restaurants.

Must-Try!

Maize porridge (ugali) with sautéed leafy greens—filling, cheap and available at nearly every eatery or household.

Stewed bananas or other staple-based stews paired with meats or fish; a common home-cooked option in local restaurants.

Fried doughnuts (mandazi) and samosas sold by street vendors—great for breakfast or a snack.

The central market where traders sell fresh fish, vegetables, maize, meat and secondhand clothing—ideal for sampling local produce and street food.

Small clusters of fish vendors near the lake and river; try grilled tilapia with a squeeze of lime and a side of kachumbari (tomato-onion salad).

Polite greetings matter—use 'Habari' or 'Sasa' (Swahili) and shake hands; ask about family or health as a courtesy. Elders should be greeted first.

Dress modestly in public, especially in rural areas and when visiting places of worship. Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for local norms.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in markets and villages. Some may be uncomfortable being photographed.

Haggling is common in markets; start lower than the asking price and be friendly. For fixed-price shops, pay the stated price.

Tipping is modest and discretionary. Round up taxi fares, give a small tip (10-50 KES / a few cents to a dollar) to helpful porters or guides, and leave a modest tip at nicer restaurants. Local market vendors do not expect tips.

Cash (Kenyan shillings) is king for markets, small shops and transport. Mobile money (M-Pesa and others) is widely used for transfers and some businesses. ATMs exist but may be limited—carry sufficient cash when traveling to rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at few places.

Expect heavy rains, muddy roads and some flooding in low-lying areas—outdoor plans can be disrupted and some rural routes may be impassable. Carry waterproof gear and flexible schedules.

Generally pleasant with cooler mornings and lower rainfall—good time for exploring and hiking. Mosquito activity drops but bring a light jacket for early mornings.

Intermittent rains that can be heavy—travel is usually possible but pack rain protection and expect damp conditions for outdoor activities.

Warmer temperatures, especially inland; humidity near the lakeshore can be high. Good for travel but stay hydrated and use sun protection.

One of the main ethnic groups in the area with strong cultural presence in Busia County, speaking various Luhya dialects and participating in local trade and agriculture.

Present in Lake Victoria communities and markets; Luo traditions and fishing expertise influence lakeshore culture.

Significant cross-border population and traders from Uganda, creating a mixed commercial and cultural environment at the border.

Smaller numbers of Kisii, Kamba and others who have migrated for trade, work and services, adding to the town’s diversity.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited to staples like ugali, beans, lentils, chapati and vegetables. Ask for dishes without meat or fish; specify 'bila nyama' (without meat) or 'bila samaki' (without fish) in Kiswahili. Carry snacks if you need greater variety.

Vegan choices are similar to vegetarian ones—stick to plant-based stews and salads but check for hidden dairy in sauces. Markets sell fresh fruit and legumes that are safe options.

Maize-based foods (ugali) are gluten-free, but be cautious with chapati, cakes and breads. Ask about preparation to avoid cross-contamination.

Drink bottled or boiled water; eat hot, freshly cooked foods and peel raw fruit. Use basic discretion with street food vendors—choose busy stalls with high turnover.