Siaya — Former Siaya governor, Cornel Rasanga has challenged the government to support the development of untapped tourist sites in the county.

Rasanga said that though the county was endowed with numerous tourism potential, efforts have not been made to exploit them hence denying both the county and national governments revenue.

He cited Got Akara hills and the nearby Africa's second largest Ox- Bow lake, lake Kanyaboli as areas that attract many local and international tourists if the national government can invest in their development.

Rasanga was speaking at Got Akara hill in Alego / Usonga when he led a team of over 60 local tourists in hiking the mountain, an event that was organized by The Audrey Golf Resort and Local Tourist 254 organisation.

"If we give it some small punch, it will be an attraction that will be able to generate revenue for both county government of Siaya and the country" said the former governor.

He said that there were proposals to develop a golf course atop the Got Akara and introduction of water sports at Lake Kanyaboli as part of the initiatives to woo tourists.

Addressing the occasion, Siaya county government's chief officer for tourism, Elizabeth Oduor said the county had a unique ecosystem that includes five lakes, Sare, Kanyaboli, Namboyo, Lake Bob and lake Victoria that tourists can enjoy.

The chief officer urged Kenyans to embrace local tourism and help grow the economy of different parts of the country.

"Tourism is one way of growing the economy of our country and when you come here, you help support the local economy as you spend and leave your money here" she told the tourists. - Kna