The 22nd Edition of the Lamu Cultural Festival that is running from Thursday 28th to Monday 2nd 2024 is expected to attract at least over 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists.
Setting the tone to the four-day cultural festival, Lamu Governor, Issa Timamy, stated that the County Government has worked with other stakeholders mainly from the tourism and hospitality sector to make the fete a success.
“The Lamu Cultural Festival in its 22nd Edition has been growing from strength to strength, with both domestic and foreign tourists gracing the event,” he stated.
He further revealed that among the dignitaries gracing the festival are envoys from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. “We also have Governors from Narok and Garissa, who have graced the event,” he added.
The Lamu Governor further stated that the Lamu Cultural Festival is aimed at showcasing Swahili historic cultural heritage that include traditional dances, handicraft, poetry, donkey and dhow races and henna painting among other activities.
Tourism CEC In-Charge of Tourism Aisha Miraj noted that there has been an increase in sponsorship for the four-day event.
She further revealed that the festival’s budget is estimated at Sh 29 million, which will aid in facilitating the events that will be held during the festival.
“Among the events that have been sponsored are the dhow and donkey races, fishing competition as well as the Governor’s cup,” Miraj said.
She noted that the festival is the pinnacle of Lamu’s tourism calendar, with the cultural event culminating in the November and December holiday high season.
Lamu Tourism Association Chairman, Fridah Njeri, who also spoke to the media, said that all of the available hotels are fully occupied and the flights to Lamu are full.
“The Lamu Cultural Festival, apart from being a spectacle, also presents the opportunity for Lamu businesses to thrive, due to the high influx of tourists who visit the County during this period,” Njeri said.
She further noted the festival has attracted a large number of both domestic and international tourists this year, signaling the county’s increased marketability.
Kenya Tourism Board Vice Chairperson, Alphina Bualei, further reiterated the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to market Lamu as a favorable tourism destination.
Lamu County Commissioner, Wesley Koech, stated that the County Security Team has enhanced security around the Lamu Island, as well as along the county’s roads in a bid to ensure that the festival proceeds without any incidences.
He further said that the County’s enhanced security will further aid in attracting tourists to Lamu beyond the Lamu Cultural Festival with the holiday festivities gaining momentum.
By Amenya Ochieng
