town, southwestern Kenya, located at an elevation of about 5,100 feet (1,550 metres). The British developed Kakamega for defensive purposes in 1903, and by 1920 it had become the district headquarters. The discovery of gold in 1931 brought an influx of settlers and greatly increased the town's population. Industrial products include processed food, clothing, and footwear. Kakamega is linked by roads with Mumias and Kisumu. Pop. (1999) 73,607.