Lamu: The national government has pledged to continue supporting Lamu County’s cultural festival calendar to attract tourists and ensure the sector continues creating jobs among communities. This was disclosed by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during the 23rd Edition of the Lamu Cultural Festival, which is being held from Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd, 2025.
According to Kenya News Agency, the annual festival is expected to attract about 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists. Setting the tone for the three-day cultural extravaganza, Rebecca Miano stated that the national government will continue marketing Lamu as a favorite tourist destination, especially with the upcoming festive season underway. Miano also lauded the county government for hosting the annual festival to ensure that entrepreneurship and tourism receive a boost as the high tourist season kicks off.
The county government is expected to invest significantly in marketing and showcasing Lamu as a premier tourist destination, focusing on cultural, sporting, and artistic activities designed to draw crowds and cement Lamu’s identity as the Island of Festivals. With this year’s theme dubbed ‘Lamu: A Living Heritage Fostering Resilience, Sustainability and Global Cultural Dialogue’, the county aims to reinvigorate the tourism sector, provide a vibrant start to the festive season, and highlight the rich cultural diversity and Swahili heritage in Lamu.
Tourism and Trade Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar stated that the festival has received goodwill from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Magical Kenya, The Tourism Fund, hoteliers, the Lamu Chamber of Commerce, and transport operators, who have sponsored the event. He emphasized that the national government is keen on ensuring peace and security to keep the county’s tourism and festival calendar uninterrupted.
Tourism Chief Officer Joyce Murimi briefed journalists that the county government plans to increase sponsorships for various events, including the signature Lamu donkey race, dhow races, and fishing competition. Lamu Tourism Association Chairman Fridah Njeri reported that all available hotels are fully occupied and flights to Lamu are full, highlighting the economic benefits for local businesses due to the high influx of tourists.
Lamu Central Deputy County Commissioner Wilson Tangus stated that the national government has enhanced security around Lamu Island and along the county’s roads to ensure the festival progresses without incidents.