Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, underscored the importance of local cultural festivals in promoting domestic tourism and celebrating Kenya’s diverse heritage during her visit to the seventh annual Ura Gate Festival in Tharaka Nithi County on September 19, 2025.
“Cultural festivals play a critical role in attracting local visitors while fostering community cohesion,” Miano said. “Events like the Ura Gate Festival are vital for showcasing Kenya’s multifaceted identity as we position the country as a premier tourist destination.”
The four-day Ura Gate Festival, themed “Embracing Culture as a Tool for Socio-Economic Development,” featured game drives through Meru National Park, traditional dances, and performances by schools and universities, highlighting the rich traditions of the Meru region. Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to draw crowds eager to experience authentic Kenyan culture through music, crafts, and local cuisines.
Miano announced a partnership between the national government and Tharaka Nithi County to construct a cultural center at Ura Gate, with the county providing land and the national government funding the project. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the region’s heritage while boosting tourism infrastructure.
The government is also working with county governments and cultural groups to develop festivals as key tourism products. Plans are underway to launch a national cultural festival calendar at the start of each year, enabling both domestic and international visitors to plan their travels. Kenya’s vibrant festival scene includes events like the Lamu Cultural Festival, the Tobong’u Lore Festival, and the Rusinga Island Festival, which celebrates the Abasuba community’s heritage through music, dance, and culinary experiences.
Attention now turns to the upcoming Maralal Samburu International Camel Derby, set for September 25-28 in Samburu County. The event is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors and participants globally, showcasing Samburu culture, heritage, and sporting talent.
