Kenya just wrapped up its 9th Turkana Cultural Festival (Tobong’u Lore) in Lodwar, a four-day celebration of indigenous traditions that ended yesterday, December 18. With over 10,000 attendees, the event blended vibrant dances, beadwork showcases, and storytelling under the theme ‘Sustaining Our Legacy’—a nod to preserving cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world.
🔥 Highlights included Urumet wrestling matches (think ‘Warrior’ vibes meets Olympic spirit) and a lakeside exhibition of handcrafted fishing tools used by Turkana communities near Lake Turkana. Local chef Nalemuru Ataa even went viral for her ‘Ng’awai’ sorghum porridge demo—#TurkanaTaste trended across East Africa!
‘This isn’t just a festival—it’s our resistance against cultural erosion,’ said organizer Ekal Imana. Meanwhile, Kenya’s tourism board announced plans to expand the event into a regional eco-tourism hub by 2026, blending heritage with sustainable travel.
For young globetrotters: Mark your 2026 calendars! Lodwar’s festival is fast becoming Africa’s answer to Coachella… but with more camels and fewer flower crowns. 🐪🎶
