Guide Note

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

Fast Facts:

1. Located in western Kenya, near Kisumu
2. Province: Nyanza
3. District: Siaya
4. Economy: Agricultural

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.

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.

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.