Kenya is a country with diverse indigenous festivals some rooted in culture domain whereas others are celebrated for awareness, leisure and conservation purposes. Some of the major festivals that take place in Kenya include; Rhino Charge, WRC Safari Rally, Lewa Marathon, Lamu Yoga Festival, Rusinga Cultural Festival, Lake Turkana Festival and Maralal Carmel Derby. Each festival has a unique function to the immediate community (s) where they are held.
1. RHINO CHARGE
Is an annual off-road 4X4 competition in Kenya by Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust (NGO). Last year the event took place on 3rd June in Mosiro, Kajiado County. The aim of the competition is to raise funds to support the NGO’s activities of conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems.
2. WRC SAFARI RALLY
The Safari Rally is Kenya’s premier motoring event born in 1953. In 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship was established and has 13 rallies spread across 6 continents. The seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) was recently held in Nairobi and Naivasha on June 23-26 this year, celebrating its 70th anniversary and 50th year in the WRC save for the 19 years hiatus (2002-2019).
3. LEWA MARATHON
The Lewa Safari Marathon takes place in June every year according to event organizers. The marathon has supported wildlife conservation and community development for the last 23 years. It aided to preservation of black rhino population and grevy zebra, in addition to providing healthcare, water, funding Lewa education programs and improved infrastructure for communities. The funds raised in Lewa marathon has always been invaluable to thousands across the country.
4. LAMU YOGA FESTIVAL
The event took place in June 25th to 29th as Lamu Old Town and Manda Island play hosts. Some of the activities expected are yoga classes and meditations offered over five days at 12 unique venues and studios. From early-bird yoga on the beach to meditation under the moon, the festival offers something for everyone, from experienced practitioners, newbies, to the curious souls and everything in between
5. RUSINGA CULTURAL FESTIVAL
A two-day event of the year that takes place each December on Rusinga Island on Lake Victoria. The festival is full of Suba cultural activities filled with music, fashion, film, food, artistry, literature, sports and conversations. It’s a cultural answer to the question, “Can a people die?” Due to assimilation and intermarriage with the Luo, the Suba culture has been under pressure and the language is now listed in UNESCO’s Red Book of Endangered Languages (2003). Rusinga Festival has grown tremendously to become a trademark in the Kenyan cultural festival's scene. It’s the biggest cultural event in Western Kenya.
6. THE LAKE TURKANA FESTIVAL
Takes place annually in Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana. The name means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu tongue and is home to the El Molo, an almost extinct community, amongst other communities. Its main industries include fishing, tourism and gold panning. It is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Northern Kenya, as the surrounding El Molo and Turkana villages, amongst others, offer unique cultural experiences. The 3-day carnival is a celebration of the rich cultures of the El Molo, Samburu, Gabbra, Rendile, Watta, Dasannach and the Turkana all who live around the Jade Sea.
7. MARALAL CARMEL DERBY
Happens each year in the northern region of Kenya in Samburu. It’s a spectacular festival packed with a variety of events, especially camel races with contenders from all over the world for both amateurs and professionals. It brings color and action to the streets of Maralal as the finest camels gather for the big race. Maralal is a haven for nomadic cultures and the town is a popular stopover for travelers looking for some form of adventure in the great unspoiled wilderness areas.
These events have played major roles in cultural and environmental conservation through partnership with local communities and authorities. The impact of these festivals has seen mass attendance of tourists and locals which has promoted economic diversity in the country.
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