GARISSA – Garissa County will host a cultural festival aimed at fostering peace, unity, and cultural pride, Governor Nathif Jama announced on Tuesday.
The Governor revealed that his administration has already begun engaging key stakeholders in preparation for what is being billed as one of the most significant cultural events in the region’s recent history.
Governor Jama underscored the critical role the festival will play in bringing together diverse communities, promoting cohesion, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the county.
“The Garissa County Cultural Festival will not only be a celebration of our traditions and way of life, but also a platform for dialogue, understanding, and unity among our people,” he said.
The festival, which is expected to take place later this year, will draw participants and visitors from across Kenya, including cultural troupes, musicians, fashion designers, chefs, and artisans.
Local and national leaders, community elders, youth groups, and cultural ambassadors are also expected to take part in the event.
According to the Governor, the festival will feature a wide range of activities, including traditional dance performances, poetry, fashion shows, storytelling sessions, exhibitions of traditional artifacts, and food fairs showcasing indigenous cuisines.
These events will highlight the diversity and richness of the local Somali and other communities that call Garissa home.
Governor Jama noted that the cultural festival aligns with his administration’s broader agenda to promote social harmony, support the creative economy, and strengthen the region’s tourism potential.
“Culture is a powerful tool for building peace and creating opportunities for our youth. By celebrating who we are, we can chart a shared future of unity and prosperity,” he added.
Preparations for the festival are already underway, with the formation of a planning committee comprising representatives from government departments, community organizations, cultural institutions, and the private sector.
Consultations are ongoing to finalize the dates, venues, and program of activities.
Mohamed Abdiaziz, a resident of Garissa town l welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely move to revive cultural expression and community engagement in a region that has faced security and development challenges in the past.
Garissa County is predominantly inhabited by the Somali ethnic community and has a largely Muslim population.
The region boasts a rich and vibrant history, deeply rooted in the traditions of its indigenous Somali communities.
Historically, Garissa served as a key area for nomadic pastoralism and was an important link in traditional trade routes that connected the coastal areas with the interior regions of Kenya.
Its legacy of mobility, resilience, and cross-cultural exchange continues to shape the identity and lifestyle of its people today.
The Garissa County Cultural Festival is set to become an annual event, reinforcing the county’s position as a hub of cultural vibrancy and resilience in Northern Kenya.
