Kogelo

Guide Note

Kogelo is the a small rural village in western Kenya. The village is located near the equator.

Fast Facts:

Located in western Kenya, near Kisumu
Province: Nyanza
District: Siaya
Economy: Agricultural

Poverty

Kogelo and surrounding villages suffer from poverty. Many families are living on a dollar a week. Poverty became more common as the population increased. Deforestation lead to erosion and decreased rainfall. The cost of health care and education increased. Herd sizes decreased and the soil fertility decreased with them. Much of the income depends on agriculture and low rainfall and low soil fertility have a significant impact.

Barak Obama's Family

Kogelo is the village that Barack Obama's father and family comes from. His grandmother, Sarah Onyango Obama, and his uncle, Said Obama, still live there.

Rooting for Obama

All of Kogelo is thrilled with the success of presidential candidate Barak Obama. They have even named a beer after him. The beer called Senator is now commonly called Obama.

Also try: Kenya
Also try: Obama Kenya Relatives

The Mahalo Top 7

Wikipedia: Siaya District
Bushdrums.com: Siaya District, Kenya
USA Today: Obama's Kenya village looks to US vote (February 6, 2008)
Reuters: Some Kenyans Forget Crisis to Root for Obama (January 8, 2008)
The New York Times: "For Some Kenyan ... Action ... is in Des Moines" (January 4, 2008)
The Seattle Times: Obama's a local hero in Kenyan villages (October 19, 2004)
YouTube Video: Kenya Has Interest in US Presidential Election (Time: 3:11)

Kogelo News

Google News: Kogelo
Associated Press: "Obama Family in Kenya Watches US Vote" (January 8, 2008)
Guardian Unlimited: "Leadoff Primary Shapes White House Race" (January 8, 2008)

Kogelo Blogs and Commentaries

Google Blog Search: Kogelo