The national government has pledged to continue supporting Lamu County’s cultural festival calendar in a bid to attract tourists and ensure that the sector continues creating jobs among communities.
This was disclosed by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during the 23rd Edition of the Lamu Cultural Festival, which opened doors on Thursday 20 up to Saturday, 22, 2025.
The annual festival is expected to attract about 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists.
Setting the tone for the three-day cultural extravaganza, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano stated that the national government will continue marketing Lamu as a favourite tourist destination, especially with the upcoming festive season underway.
Miano further lauded the county government for keeping pace in hosting the annual festival in a bid to ensure that entrepreneurship and tourism receive a welcome boost even as the high tourist season kicks off.
The county government is further expected to spend handsomely in marketing and showcasing Lamu as the premier tourist destination following its increased investment in various activities: cultural, sporting, and artistic activities designed to draw crowds, all while cementing Lamu’s identity as the Island of Festivals.
With this year’s theme dubbed as “Lamu: A Living Heritage Fostering Resilience, Sustainability and Global Cultural Dialogue”, the county is keen on ensuring that the festival will reinvigorate the tourism sector and ensure a vibrant start to the festive season as well as provide a platform to highlight the rich cultural diversity and Swahili heritage in Lamu.
Tourism and Trade Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, who also graced the colourful event, stated that the festival has received a lot of goodwill from various stakeholders led by the Ministry of Tourism, Magical Kenya, The Tourism Fund, hoteliers, the Lamu Chamber of Commerce, airline and bus operators, all of whom have sponsored the event.
He further revealed that the national government was keen on ensuring that peace and security prevail in a bid to ensure that the county’s tourism and festival calendar remains uninterrupted.
Briefing journalists in the build-up to the festival, Tourism Chief Officer Joyce Murimi stated that the county government is also set to increase its sponsorships for the various events, which include the signature Lamu donkey race, dhow races and fishing competition.
Lamu Tourism Association Chairman Fridah Njeri told the media that all of the available hotels are so far 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, signalling the county’s increased marketability.
On his part, Lamu Central Deputy County Commissioner Wilson Tangus stated that the national government has enhanced security around Lamu Island, as well as along the county’s roads, in a bid to ensure that the festival progresses without ugly incidents.
By Amenya Ochieng
