Mombasa cultural fair seeks to revive tourism industry

Participants in the 2013 Mombasa Cultural Festival. The 2014 Mombasa International Cultural Festival will be held from August 17 to 24, 2014, and is expected to cost Sh16 million. PHOTO | FILE | NATION

What you need to know:

  • The county government has partnered with private investors to host the festival.
  • It aims at rebranding Mombasa as a preferred tourist destination.
  • Tourism in Mombasa has been affected by recent attacks that have led to travel advisories.

The forthcoming 2014 Mombasa International Cultural Festival is expected to cost Sh16 million.

The Mombasa County government in conjunction with private investors will facilitate the festival, set to take place from August 17 to 24, 2014.

According to Paul Kurgat, the treasurer and member of the executive committee, the idea of the festival is to help rebrand and market Mombasa as a tourist destination.

This is seen to be crucial following several terror-related attacks that have led to travel advisories being issued by some western countries.

“The private sector came up with the idea to work with the county government to try and boost the dwindling tourism sector.

"The aim is to sell our diverse culture, which is one of our strong points apart from the historical sites and sceneries,” he said.

The festival will start at the Jomo Kenyatta public beach, with different activities taking place, including running competitions.

TRADITIONAL DANCERS

The activities will then move to Uhuru Gardens, where 15 groups of traditional dancers will entertain guests.

Later, the procession, led by Governor Ali Hassan Joho, will move to Fort Jesus.

Here there will be displays of the different foods, traditional art work and a showing of a brief documentary on the history of Mombasa from the year 1339.

“There will be several activities that will be taking place outside Fort Jesus. For example, we will have a display of different local cuisines, sports activities like swimming, boat riding competitions and deep sea fishing among others,” Mr Kurgat said.

ADVERTISING

Mama Ngina Drive will also be bustling with activity as hoteliers and other interested parties will be given an opportunity to advertise their brands in exhibitions that will be set up there.

A stage will also be erected for the purposes of a fashion show and performance by different artistes to entertain guests.

Mr Kurgat has assured those who will be attending the festival that security will be beefed up throughout.

“This is the first of many more festivals to come, and we have even invited other counties to take part. The end of the festival will be marked by fireworks at midnight on the last day,” he told Nation.co.ke.