Kisumu

In addition to its political importance, the city is a significant industrial and commercial centre in Kenya. It is also home to a number of higher-education institutions and a sizeable academic community. The city has been undergoing efforts to rejuvenate its downtown and Lower Town areas, including improvements to the lakefront, measures to reduce congestion on major streets, and initiatives to make streets more pedestrian-friendly.

Culturally, Kisumu serves as the centre of the Luo people of East Africa. It was the most prominent urban centre in the pre-colonial and post-colonial period. It remains prominent in the modern era for natives of the Kavirondo region. It was briefly renamed Port Florence, before its name was reverted back.