Thousands in Lamu for annual cultural fete

Lamu burst into life on Friday as thousands of people arrived for the town’s annual cultural festival.

Hotels which were virtually empty due to the recent collapse of a bridge at Kanagoni in Magarini were on Friday packed with visitors from Germany, the US, UK, France and many other countries, as well as Kenyans from Nairobi, Mombasa and others towns.

National Museums of Kenya director general Idle Farah said the festival had become a symbol of conserving the Lamu culture.

“In a bid to conserve this cultural heritage, NMK has launched an awareness campaign to discourage islanders from selling historical buildings to foreigners,” he said.

Donkey races

The highlights of the festival will include donkey and canoe races, a Swahili food baazar, dances and swimming competitions.

Sponsors include the American, French, Royal Dutch and Brazilian embassies, the European Commission, Kenya Tourist Board and NMK.