The Italian government has intensified efforts to revamp tourism and strengthen cultural ties between Kenya and Italy.
One of the key initiatives is an Italian musical concert performed by Kenyans, organised by the Italian Institute of Culture in Kilifi county.
The concert, hosted by Italian Ambassador Roberto Natali and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, was held at the historic Gedi ruins.
The site was last year designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in the Malindi subcounty.
This initiative follows the recent Italian Week of Cuisine organised by the Italian Embassy, which showcased Italy’s rich culinary traditions.
Natali said the concert is part of a broader strategy to foster deeper connections between the two nations.
“Kilifi has had a strong presence of Italians for years and we are strengthening these ties through music,” he said.
"The envoy said the unique aspect of the concert is that Kenyan musicians performed Italian classical pieces,” he said.
“We want to be together here. Our Kenyan friends appreciate Italians and we also want Italians to know Kenya has incredible musicians who have dedicated their lives to studying and performing Italian music. I am so proud of them.”
Governor Mung’aro said cultural collaborations are significant in revitalising the tourism sector, which has seen a decline in Italian visitors.
“We lost many Italian tourists to Zanzibar, but with the support of the national government, the county and the Italian government, we are working hard to restore Kilifi’s position as a preferred destination,” he said.
Mung’aro said the live music concert showcased Italy’s famous classical music, providing a special occasion to honour Italy’s diverse cultural heritage and encourage cross-cultural communication.
“This event highlights the influential role of music in connecting different cultures and nurturing lasting friendships,” he said.
The governor said last December, Kilifi recorded an increased number of local and international tourists.
“We had very many tourists in August and December and so we are looking forward to many events, many interventions to revamp tourism into this destination,” Mung’aro said.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said the concert will strengthen Kenya-Italy relations.
“It is an honour and a privilege to really interact with Italians who are here and celebrate their culture and the good relationship the two nations have had for many years. It is a privilege and an honour to be part of this newest Unesco World Heritage and to celebrate this event here in this beautiful setting,” he said.
Baya urged the National Museums of Kenya to consider including the Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Museum and Vasco da Gama pillar as part of the Unesco World Heritage Sites to promote cultural heritage tourism.
