Kisumu is the place to be on 25 August to 1 September, as it will be reverberating with laughter, songs, dances and poetry reminiscing the memories that come with the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC).
FESTAC is a designed platform for Pan Africanism and African tribe in emancipation post colonialism, it is a super event, which binds and brings Africans from all over the world to celebrate and appreciate their identity.
The event was first held in Dakar Senegal in 1966, later held in Nigeria in 1977 and then it died out. It was then rekindled in the year 2022, 45years later, with the first celebrations being held in Zanzibar, the second in Arusha and now the third coming to Kisumu.
Speaking this morning during a press briefing session this morning at the Royal City Hotel in Kisumu, Governor Nyong’o described FESTAC as one of the oldest and most colorful events in Africa, inviting residents of Kisumu, Kenya, East Africa and Africa to be part of the event, know the history and what it means.
“This year it’s our time to shine, Kisumu must show the world that FESTAC is still alive,” said Governor Nyong’o
The Governor exuded confidence that Kisumu will make a difference after the event. He is optimistic that tourism will boom, local and international conferences will increase and spur growth and development in the region.
He said the preparations are on top gears as the venues are ready, security tightened in wait for the delegates. So far, 50 countries are set to participate in 18 conferences, 7,000 participants, 200 speakers, 100 artists, 150 exhibitors and 20 sporting activities confirmed.
The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) CEO, Mr. Victor Nyagaya on his part appealed to the residents and business people in the LREB region to participate in the event and experience FESTAC.
According to the Chairman of FESTAC Mr. Yinka Abioye, the objective of the event is to promote unity through inter Africa trade, Inter Africa Travel and designing Children programmes such as STEM, sports and movies.
He said Kisumu was chosen to host the event due to its passion on matters culture. Besides its position within the lake region, LREB and untapped resources that needs to be brought to the attention of the world to come and develop. There is also the youth population that is energetic, dynamic and needs to be channeled the right way.
The CECM for Trade and Tourism Madam Farida Salim said the County has collaborated with Lake Victoria Tourism Association to coordinate delegates to all attraction sites within the LREB to ensure guests have a memorable tourism experience. While her counterpart from the Sports and Culture department Madam Beatrice Odongo said, two artists from each sub counties have been identified to perform at the event and they have collaborated with Kenya Cultural Centre to offer ten exhibition booths for visual artists within Kisumu County.
