The 14th Edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival opened today in Loiyangalani with a powerful call for unity, peace, and shared prosperity, as Governor Mohamed Mohamud Ali urged residents to embrace diversity as the county’s greatest strength.
Addressing thousands gathered at the shores of Lake Turkana, Governor Ali described the event as more than a cultural celebration, calling it “a living testimony of who we are as a people, proud of our roots, confident in our diversity, and determined to rise together in unity and peace.”
The festival, which began in 2008 as a modest peace initiative among the Elmolo, Samburu, Rendille and Turkana communities, has grown into one of Kenya’s most celebrated cultural showcases, inspiring similar events across the country.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage, Rising in Unity: Strengthening Partnerships for Peace and Prosperity,” reflects the county’s commitment to using culture as a tool for social cohesion, economic growth and peacebuilding.
Governor Ali noted that the festival now brings together all 14 communities of Marsabit County, each contributing its distinct traditions, languages, and artistry to the event.
Loiyangalani once again transformed into a vibrant open-air cultural museum, with traditional dances, craft markets, and colourful cultural villages lining the expansive desert-lake landscape.
The Governor highlighted the unique setting of Lake Turkana, describing it as a natural wonder that anchors the region’s identity and global significance.
The lake’s surrounding national parks form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the nearby Koobi Fora paleoanthropological site cements Marsabit as the “Cradle of Mankind.”
While celebrating the county’s impressive cultural and ecological heritage, Governor Ali also acknowledged the historical challenges Marsabit has faced, including conflict and resource-based tensions.
He affirmed that the festival remains a cornerstone of ongoing peacebuilding efforts, turning “the logic of the gun” into “the language of the drum” as communities come together in celebration rather than division.
He emphasised that the festival has grown into a driver of local development, boosting eco-tourism, creating income opportunities and supporting what he termed a growing “cultural economy.”
Local artisans, women’s groups, youth performers, transport providers and hospitality businesses benefit significantly from the annual influx of visitors, leaders, and investors.
Governor Ali expressed gratitude to long-standing partners who have supported the festival’s growth into a flagship cultural event of national and international repute.
He recognized contributions from the national government, Lake Turkana Wind Power, KenGen, National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Tourism Board, UN agencies, civil society and the private sector.
He paid special tribute to the elders and cultural custodians who have sustained Marsabit’s traditions across generations, and urged young people to embrace and protect their heritage as a foundation for unity and progress.
The Governor concluded with a call for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and strengthened partnerships that will translate cultural pride into improved livelihoods, better services, and sustainable development for all residents.