Bungoma, Kenya

The reality in Bungoma is that it's an agricultural hub, not a tourist haven, with a population of 1.67 million people spread across 2,069 square kilometers. The county's economy revolves around cash crops like sugarcane and maize, though bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the once-mighty Nzoia Sugar Company has struggled with mismanagement and debt. Those seeking a quiet rural life and don't mind the occasional power outage may find Bungoma to their liking, but the city offers little in the way of glamour or excitement.