Uasin Gishu County has opened doors for her 2025 Cultural Festival, bringing together youth groups, church choirs, cultural teams, and technical experts from across the county to celebrate human creativity and diversity.
The colourful event, held in Eldoret, serves as preparation for the upcoming Kenya National Music and Cultural Festival, which will take place in Uasin Gishu from November 28 to December 8, 2025.
Speaking during the event, the County Deputy Governor, Evans Kapkea, called on local residents, cultural teams, and leaders to unite and prepare fully for the upcoming cultural and governance event.
He praised the efforts by cultural groups, youth organisations, church teams, and technical departments for their hard work duration preparations and organization of the event.
He emphasized that the county must perform at its best as it prepares to represent Uasin Gishu before national leaders, including the president.
Kapkea reminded the residents to value and preserve their cultural heritage. He noted that the county’s diverse communities including the Borana, Nandi, and others should continue promoting culture and other long-standing community values and virtues such as discipline, hard work, honesty and integrity.
According to him, culture is the foundation of unity and identity, and losing it would mean losing the country’s strength and values.
The DG further affirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting youth and women through development programmes such as the planned Governor’s Cup.
He assured that funds have been set aside for these initiatives and encouraged all residents to work together to make them successful.
Kapkea underscored the county’s readiness to support and promote culture, talent, and community development across the county.
County Director for Culture Mohamed Dakane said this year’s festival has attracted 78 groups from all wards in the county.
He explained that the event helps promote peace, friendship, and talent development among communities.
Dakane also announced that international visitors from Poland will attend the festivals to explore partnerships that could see local cultural groups perform in Europe next year.
“This shows that our culture is not only promoting unity but also attracting tourism and foreign exchange,” he added.
“We are using culture to bring people together and to create opportunities. That is why this year’s theme is Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity,” he said.
Dakane added that Uasin Gishu, which finished second nationally last year with 81 trophies, hopes to take the top spot this year.
The county expects to select about 30 groups to represent it at the national level, compared to 13 groups last year.
The event was attended by several leaders, County Assembly members, and representatives from Eldoret National Polytechnic, who pledged support and even donated trophies for the winners.
Adjudicators from across the country will help identify the best-performing teams to represent the county.
By Godfrey Kipkulei
