It is a region which for most of the year makes headlines with issues such as security concerns, famine, environmental challenges, lack of infrastructure and fights among various ethnic communities but despite of all these negativity, there is still a positive aspect which was recognized, the aspect of being able to offer a cross-cultural interaction background and that is why various organizations came together and put up a three day festival programme, The Lake Turkana Festival which was proposed by the local community.
The aim of this festival is to help overcome stereotypes and creates a mutual understanding of different cultures and promotes peaceful coexistence. It advocates the shared and eco-friendly use of natural resources while supporting economic growth. In terms of a cultural point of view, the event will feature unique performances and demonstrates of ten ethnic communities which live in Turkana region namely El Molo, Rendile, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and last not but not least Burji.
This festival promises the participating communities an opportunity for cross-cultural interaction, cooperation and exchange, both the preparation and in the course of the Festival. The underlying main goal therefore has been and continues to be promoting peace and reconciliation. For the attendees, the presentation of the customs and living condition of the ten tribes, their spectacular traditional costumes, arts and crafts, dances and music is a unique and fascinating experience – in particular in light of the stunning geographical characteristics and the limited general knowledge about the Lake Turkana region.
It has become an important element of Kenya’s annual event calendar, taking place from 24th to 26th May 2013, in Loiyangalani for the sixth consecutive year giving the community a chance for interaction and reconciliation, that is why Silverbird Travel Plus encourages all to join us in partaking this emprise as we explore this northern verge and enjoy the incalculable site of colorful cultures while discovering the hidden fortunes of Lake Turkana.