Just before I left Nairobi for Kisumu, a few locals gave me a confused look.
“Why would you go to Kisumu?”
It’s not exactly a tourist hotspot — but for me, the idea of visiting Kenya’s third-largest city, seeing Lake Victoria, and possibly plugging into a local grassroots tennis community was too good to pass up.
And it delivered. The experience was exactly what I hoped for — even better, thanks to meeting a local coach named Samsan, who works every day to grow the game in Kisumu and inspire the next generation.
While cities like Nairobi and Mombasa may have more facilities, Kisumu has a small but passionate community centered around a few courts — and long-standing local legends, like Bob Ochieng, who’ve kept the sport alive in Western Kenya.
If you’re visiting and want to get on court, there’s really one main place to play. The other two courts are still active, but they’re a bit rough — cracked concrete, dusty dirt — the kind of raw, local tennis that makes you appreciate the grind.
Nyanza Club (Est. 1915)
Nyanza Club is the crown jewel of tennis in Kisumu. Founded over a century ago in 1915, this colonial-era club still stands as the most reliable and well-maintained tennis facility in the city. With multiple courts (4), regular training sessions, and a hitting wall, it’s the best bet for visiting players.
One of the main figures at Nyanza Club is Coach Samsan, the founder of Samsan Tennis. He runs junior camps, organizes tournaments, and also gives lessons with all age groups. His passion for the game — shaped in part by the playing styles and mindset of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer — shows in his coaching and his commitment to growing the sport in the region.
Samsan was also mentored by local legend Bob Ochieng, whom he referred to as the ‘tennis dad’ of Kisumu. It’s hard to find anyone who plays tennis in the city who hasn’t passed through Ochieng’s hands.
📱 Connect with Coach Samsan on Facebook: Samsan Tennis OR Instagram: SamsanTennis
Cosmo Club Tennis Court
Cosmo is a more rugged, local facility — not as polished as Nyanza, but still a playable and community-driven space. It was once a club with multiple courts, but has since been reduced to just one dirt tennis court, with the others repurposed for volleyball and other sports. Located in Kisumu’s urban core, it’s not always easy to access or guaranteed to be active — but for those looking to play with a real local vibe, it’s worth stopping by.
Also worth noting: Cosmo is less than a ten-minute walk from Nyanza Club, just a block or two away.
Kisumu Day Tennis Court
Tucked inside a local high school, the Kisumu Day Tennis Court offers a raw but authentic grassroots tennis experience. The courts are aging, but they’re still being used — often by local juniors or independent coaches running small group sessions. It’s also a venue for high school tennis competitions in the area, and features two tarmac asphalt courts.
One detail that stood out: the net posts are made of wooden sticks. It’s a small thing, but a clear sign of how players here make use of whatever materials they have — all in the name of the game.
📍 Location: Kisumu Day High School campus
🛏️ Where to Stay: Imperial Express Hotel
If you’re planning to play tennis in Kisumu, the Imperial Express Hotel is a convenient and traveler-friendly option. It’s centrally located, affordable, and offers a clean, comfortable base for getting to the courts and exploring the city. I enjoyed my stay there.
Final Thoughts
Tennis in Kisumu isn’t flashy — but it’s real. A few cracked courts, a handful of coaches, and a deep sense of dedication keep the sport alive here. If you’re traveling through Western Kenya and looking to hit, you’ll find more than just a place to play — you’ll find a community that genuinely loves the game.