Nairobi: 12th December, 2024
Nairobi County recently emerged as the 2nd Runner-Up at the 97th Cultural and Music Festivals, with Kakamega and Uasin gishu leading the park in an event that brought together 22 counties to celebrate Kenya’s diverse heritage. The festival, held in Taita Taveta County, showcased the theme “Our Culture, Our Wealth,” emphasizing the significance of culture in promoting economic empowerment, peacebuilding, and national cohesion.
The journey to this recognition began with community festivals organized by the Department of Culture and Arts in Nairobi County. Leaders were trained through capacity-building programs, enabling them to mobilize and engage their communities in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city. These efforts culminated in Nairobi’s participation at the national festivals, where their performances and exhibits stood out among tough competition.
The grand ceremony to award the winners presided over by Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of performance and delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, Edwin Owalo was held at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, marking the culmination of weeks of cultural celebrations. Stellah Kemunto, the Deputy Director of Culture and Arts, proudly represented Nairobi County at the event, where she accepted the trophy on behalf of the city.
Ms. Kemunto highlighted the importance of such festivals, saying, “Culture is not just a reflection of who we are; it is a tool for economic empowerment, national cohesion, and peacebuilding. Through the interaction of different communities, we create unity in diversity.”
The festival proved to be more than a competition—it was a platform for counties to share their unique traditions, foster unity, and inspire a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s cultural wealth. Nairobi County’s achievement is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural scene and its commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage.
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