Guze

Guze is a small settlement located within Kakamega County in western Kenya. Positioned along the main road that links Mombasa to Nairobi, it lies approximately 120 kilometers north of the county capital, Kakamega. The town sits at an elevation of about 540 metres above sea level and its climate is classified as tropical savannah, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Guze’s population is roughly 7,000 residents, according to the most recent municipal census, and the community is primarily composed of members of the Kakamega Luo and Abetii ethnic groups.

Economically, Guze functions as a local agricultural hub. The surrounding area is dominated by crop farms that produce maize, beans and cassava, while small-scale poultry and dairy operations also support the economy. Commercial activity is concentrated along the main thoroughfare, with a handful of grocery outlets, a community health clinic and a primary school serving the town’s children. The local market is held weekly and attracts vendors and buyers from neighbouring villages.

The town is recognised for its culturally diverse environment. A number of churches and a mosque provide places of worship for the various religious groups, and the community also hosts a traditional holiday each March that celebrates the harvest. While Guze is relatively small, it benefits from its proximity to the larger urban centre of Kakamega, which provides additional services and employment opportunities to residents. The town’s modest growth reflects ongoing government efforts to improve rural infrastructure across western Kenya.

Guze is also a surname used in East Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Individuals carrying the name have been noted in fields ranging from politics to music, although most public records are limited to regional contexts. The name itself appears to derive from the local languages of the region, where it occasionally refers to “northern” or “guidance.”