Kenya is endowed with a rich culture. So rich is the culture that
there are as many cultures as there are tribes in Kenya. Visitors
to Kenya may be priviledged to see or even be a part of these cultural
festivals and rituals depending on the period of travel.
In Kenya and generally Africa at large, every event warrants
celebration, be it during childbirth, weddings, initiation into
adulthood (circumcision), crowning of elders, cleansing rites,
thanks giving for a bumper harvest ….and yes….even
during funerals!
 In
precisely every part of the country, there is a cultural event taking
place all year round. However, there is no set caledar for these
events and as such, some of these event do not necessarily happen
annually.
Coast Province
The coastal province hosts various cultural events…enjoy the
Rabai ,Swahili and Lamu Cultural Festivals that take take place
at different times in the year, the Maulidi Religious Festival which
is an Islamic festival, the Mombasa Street Cultural Carnival, just
to mention a few. This is the birthplace of real culture!
Nyanza Province
In this part of Kenya we have the following community based cultural
festivals, some of which are annual events: The Migwena Cultural
Festival in Bondo, the Ugunja Cultural Festival in Siaya, the Sindo
Cultural Festival, the Seme Cultural Festival in Kisumu, the Sango
Cultural Festival in Nyando and the Nyaribari Chache Cultural Festival.
Behold an array of luo delicacies, dress and dances….
Eastern Province
The Eastern province boasts of the Embu, Miss Eastern,Cushitic and
Marsabit Cultural Festivals which take place during different times
of the year.
Rift Valley Province
The largest province of Kenya is beaming with cultural festivals.
From community based cultural festivals such as the Baringo and
Dorobo Cultural Festivals in Baringo District and Njoro division
respectively to the Olosho-Oibor Cultural Exhibition and instituitionalised
festivals such as the Moi University Cultural Festival and the Coca
Cola Music Festival not to mention the Gospel performers Festival
held in Kericho.
Central Province
Though somewhat low key, this province still hosts cultural events
namely:
1. Peace Festival in Mau Mau Masacre Sites in Nyeri Murang’a
which is usually organised annually by the Peace Museums. The participants
hold dances, songs, recitals and prayers on peace. They also exhibit
cultural artefacts and plant trees at cultural sites.
2. Catholic church Music and Cultural Festival which is held annually.
Nairobi Province
This province which is also home to the capital city of Kenya –
Nairobi, is a beehive of activity all year round. People of all
walks of life converge here at various times to behold the beauty
and splendor of the Kenyan Culture displayed during cultural events
such as the Nairobi Province cultural Week, the Kenya Polytechnic
Cultural Week, the Kenyatta University Cultural Week, the Maa Festival,
the Nubian Festival (Kenyan Chapter), Kenya Cultural Centre Festival,
the Mavuno Drama Festivals and the Panafric Hotel monthly cultural
nights, to mention a few. You do not want to miss out…..
Western Province
The western province of Kenya has a vibrant people who are full
of action. They mainly hold heart -wrenching,adrenalin pumping events
which can drive even the boldest to the edge of his wits!…
such as boat racing competitions in the vast waters of lake victoria,
wrestling festivals and bull fights in Budalang’ Division.
Other festivals include the community based Vihiga and Tachoni Cultural
festivals.
Other Festivals at District , Provincial
and National Levels.
1. Kenya Music and Cultural festival/organised and funded by the
department of Culture.
2. Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals organised by the
Ministry of Education.
3. Kenya Schools and Colleges Music Festival organised by the
Ministry of Education.
The CULTURAL FESTIVAL deals with presentations
in the arcas of performing arts, visual arts, culinary (food) arts,
fashion and design, traditional medicine, cultural books publication
and cultural symposia.
The MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVALS generally
have the objectives of :
-
 Promoting
the study and performance of music, dance, drama, acrobatics
and education, for the development of the individual and society
- enhancing the development of cultural arts and creativity
- preserving and promoting cultural heritage through performance,
providing information and entertainment through performing arts
- promote kiswahili and indigenous Kenyan languages; enhancing
cultural exchange amongst the local and international communities
- promoting useful indigenous traditions for sustainable development.
The RELIGIOUS DRAMA AND MUSIC FESTIVALS
organised by the churches have the general objectives of:
- Providing an organisational framework which promotes the proclamation of the gospel through drama and music
- Teaching and training in the knowldege of Jesus Christ
- Boosting drama talent in Christian groups by teaching both art forms
- Building and providing ways of uniting churches in fellowship, work and involvement in intensive, educational and social work
viewed by the churches as proper and advisable in the furtherance of drama and the Kingdom of God.
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