Kisii is situated in Western Kenya, and is best known for Kisii stones. Kisii town has little to commend it as a tourist destination other than the splendid lush countryside - the area is one of the most fertile in Kenya. As with much of Kenya, the infrastructure is in a poor state of repair, and there are some people in extreme poverty. If you are white, expect to be pointed out by children and asked for money and sweets, especially in more rural areas where whites are pretty uncommon. The locals are friendly to visitors, especially where they think there may be business opportunities. Travel through Kisii by road is bumpy and risky although not as frightening as the Nairobi-Mombassa highway. (There are no trains.) Beware eating out in any of the local cafes - a local doctor advised me that hygiene standards are appalling and that he would certainly not risk it. Mosquitos are a particular problem in the area and nets are essential. The village of Tabaka, where the Kisii stone is produced, and carved with great skill, offers the opportunity for massive savings over Nairobi prices - if you hide and have a local to negotiate for you! Many people speak excellent English, although it is useful to have Swahili, and some people will only speak local dialects such as Kisii language.
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