This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
The Turkana cultural festival, Tobong’u Lore, has been a beacon of hope and unity for the Turkana community since its inception in 2014.
Officially launched in 2018, the festival has been successfully held thrice in the past few years, bringing together locals and tourists to experience the richness of Turkana culture.
Located in the heart of Lodwar, Ekalees Center is the venue where participants come together to interact and showcase their cultures in interesting ways.
The festival, which takes place in the third week of April each year, is a celebration of the Turkana culture, calling for peace and unity among the community.
One of the most striking aspects of the festival is the colourful and flamboyant dress code, where participants come dressed in traditional attire and accessories, each with a certain cultural significance.
Despite being a relatively new festival, Tobong’u Lore has already gained popularity, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience the vibrant culture of the Turkana people.
From traditional dances and songs to exhibitions and performances, the festival offers a unique opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their heritage.
However, the festival is not without its challenges, with lack of funds being a major obstacle in its progress.
Despite these challenges, the festival remains a crucial event for peacebuilding and unity among the Kenyan people.