All is set for the Kisumu signature event dubbed Fish Fiesta as the county tourism department showcases the best culture from the Lakeside with aim of promoting tourism in the county.
This year's edition of the event will be held from April 25-27 at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds.
This year's theme is ‘Flavours of the Lake: Fishing tourism as an opportunity for sustainable development’.
Already, auditions have started with organisers banking on the event to create business opportunities and foster cultural exchange within the region whilst promoting tourism.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili noted that the exercise will be conducted across all the eight subcounties.
The auditions, Owili revealed, have so far attracted contestants in boat racing, body building, traditional wrestling, beauty competition (Mr and Miss Tourism), and traditional art among others.
The auditions will start on Saturday at Nyang’oma Hall in Muhoroni County followed by Nyakach subcounty at Katito town on Sunday.
Contestants within the subcounties will audition for Mr and Miss Tourism, Mr and Miss Flex, Mr and Miss Strong, traditional Luo wrestling and traditional art.
"Fish Fiesta is the county’s signature tourism event that showcases Kisumu as a vibrant hub for fishing tourism besides giving an opportunity to various stakeholders and visitors to explore existing opportunities in the sector," Owili told the media.
The DG noted that they are committed as a county government to harness the potential of the blue economy to improve the living standards of the community.
He said they aim to highlight the significance of the fishing industry, promote responsible fishing and at the same time explore untapped opportunities within the fishing tourism sector through the event.
"I want to urge all government agencies, civil society organisations and stakeholders to join hands and make the event a success," he said.
The Fish Fiesta event is part of the ongoing implementation of 'Kisumu my pride' campaign to market the entire county as a tourism hub.
The aim of the campaign is to appreciate everything in the county to ensure they bring out the best of Kisumu to the world.