The Kenya Tourism Board is positioning the country as a year-round festivals destination as counties line up cultural events to attract visitors to their regions.
KTB acting CEO John Chirchir said festivals have helped open up tourism circuits and spurred growth in the hospitality sector, while positioning culture and heritage as drivers of tourism growth in the country.
"The benefits of having cultural festivals in our counties is immense to the tourism sector value chain, for we expect hotels and facilities to record full bookings during these festivals. Additionally, businesses that are supported by tourism will benefit from the many visitors we expect at the events,” he said.
Chirchir spoke when Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit announced that the 30th edition of International Maralal Camel Derby will be held between October 5-8. The event is expected to attract local and international participation.
The governor said improved infrastructure and security in the region was a major catalyst to such events and other development opportunities.
“It is worth noting that this is the first camel derby we are hosting with a fully tarmacked road from Mararal to Nairobi in many years. This infrastructure improvement has significantly reduced travel time. The journey from Nairobi to Mararal now takes only four to five hours, compared to the previous longer travel times," Lelelit said.
"Additionally, the security measures put in place are exceptional, allowing attendees to feel safe whether they choose to explore the area during the day or enjoy the festivities at night.”
Lelelit said all eateries, hotels, and lodges within the conservancies are fully booked, reflecting the popularity and success of the event.
"In terms of nationalities, we have representation from all over the world, including the US, Canada, and various Eastern European countries," he said.
"Interestingly, the numbers from Asia have been steadily increasing in terms of attendance, adding to the international flavour of the event.”
Counties have lined up cultural festivals as one of the ways of encouraging visitation to their regions, a phenomenon billed as one way of impacting on economic livelihoods at the grassroots level.
Recently Kajiado county hosted the inaugural Maa cultural festivals that brought together Maa speaking counties besides other more than 10,000 participants from across the country.
Other festivals held recently included the Tharaka Nithi cultural festival.
Now in its 31st edition, the camel derby will showcase camel racing and other activities that are central to the Samburu culture. The Turkana Cultural festival will be held in Lodwar, Turkana county, from October 12-14.
The festival, popularly known as “Tobong'u Lore” (welcome back home), was first held in 2014 and is hosted by a number of indigenous communities adjacent to the lake, with the aim of promoting peace, cultural exchange and tourism.
“In Kenya, festivals and cultural events are a critical component of the tourist experience, particularly for the emerging segment of young tourists, who are looking for authentic experiences. They have become an integral part of the Kenyan tourism calendar and key drivers for economic growth in the hosting destination,” Chirchir said.
Chirchir also cited the upcoming festivals as examples of tourism offerings that will be able to open new destinations and circuits that are not well served by conventional tourist products.
“The Turkana Cultural Festival, for instance, is one of the biggest festivals in the region drawing thousands of visitors to Northern Kenya," he said.
"This annual event offers an opportunity for tourists to explore the host town, which is widely considered the cradle of humankind and has contributed immensely to the knowledge of human evolution through its numerous archaeological and paleontological discoveries."
"We shall continue to work with counties to develop festivals strategically as unique experiences that will open up new circuits.”
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has recognised the role of culture as a driver of tourism growth, especially for destination development, positioning, diversification, competitiveness, sustainability and recognition at international level.