Obama puts Kenyan Village on the map.

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The Kogelo Village is no longer the somnolent village it was approximately 2 years ago. For so many things, the village in Siaya District in the western part of the Republic of Kenya now has a clean running water system, electricity, a modern road network and a tourist attraction site

The road that connects the Kogelo village to Kisumu city is now in a much better condition- and the homestead of Barrack Obama’s extended paternal family-which has become an almost familiar spot on the world map-, is under 24-hour armed security. All ready the government of Kenya has beefed up security at the Village and promised to accord Mama Sarah Obama which a full security detail soon after she lands in Kenya from the historic inauguration of her grandson-as the 44^th president of US.

Both the domestic, foreign tourists and a battery of journalist have been flocking at the Kogelo village to see the birth place of the US president’s father- Barack Obama Snr.

The optimistic entrepreneurs predict a significant increase in tourists arrivals. Plans are underway to create a cultural complex complete with modern recreational facilities in the heartland of Kogelo.

The 1.5 -acre piece of land on which the Dero Kogelo Library and Cultural Centre will be established has already been fenced off. The project is the brainchild of the Nairobi-based Dero Community and Cultural Organization. Dero is the Dholuo word for Granary. The late father to the US president was a Luo by tribe.

The Dero’s Executive Director  Mr.Ng’wuono Hongo , an architect, a Luo based in Kisumu City, Kenya  says the center will house a restaurant, 8 self-contained cottages, a modern library, an amphitheatre, and souvenir shops where visitors will be able  to buy Obama’s memorabilia and read books on the Luo culture and traditions.

Mr. Ng’wuono said that he is working closely with the local community to promote their cultural heritage. He also said that he welcomes the government idea and plan to establish a cultural center at Kogelo. He said the 100-seat amphitheatre will host local brands and other cultural activities.Artefacts from the local community will also be on display in the amphitheater.

The 8 cottages designed by Mr. Hongo are modeled on traditional Luo dwelling to reflect the local culture and traditions. They resemble the traditional pyramid of the historic Egyptian Pharaohs.

The cottage will have Makuti roofing (grass thatched), and walls made of organic materials such as reeds and poles. The restaurant will serve local and international cuisine.

Mr. Hongo says his organization has already acquired 100 books on various issues to stock the library, including a 5-volume book on Luo culture published by the organization a couple of years a go. There is also a collection of Luo music dating back to 1963 when Kenya got the independence.

The Director of Culture Mr.Silverse Anami told the Starlin Media Network when they paid him a courtesy call that a 20- acre piece of land opposite The Senator Obama Secondary School has already been identified for the Obama Community Cultural Center that will include a well established museum.

According to Mr. Silverse the first phase of the project will cost approximately 120 million. We are optimistic we will reach the goal and make this village a tourist attraction site.” Said Mr. Anami.

Soon after Obama was declared the winner of the hotly contested US presidential election on November 4^th 2008. The Kenyan Tourists Minister Hon Najib Balala announced that plans are underway to make Kogelo a world tourist site. He said the government has allocated 1.5 million to jumpstart the project.

 Kogelo has undergone a radical and mega change since the election of Obama has the 44^th president of the US and more are expected as the place continues to attract more tourist, dignitaries and battery of both foreign and local journalists.

 The once sleepy village is live and awake to a new dawn of hope and prosperity all in the name of Obama, the US president with a Kenyan roots.

 ©Starlin Media Network .P.O BOX 1194-40400 Suna-Migori, Kenya. Phone: +254724751250.

This story is filed under: Politics

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