Plans to host Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival complete

Governor Ukur Yatani, Miss Tourism Marsabit County Marietta Turuga, Sports and Culture Principle Secretary Richard Ekai, and Moyale MP Roba Duba during the launch of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival yesterday in Nairobi. [PHOTO: DAVID NJAAGA/STANDARD]

The county is set to host the ninth edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival and its first ever half marathon.

The event scheduled to take place from May 19 to 21 is expected to attract hundreds of local and foreign tourists.

Speaking during the launch of the festival in Nairobi, Governor Ukur Yatani said the event aims to bring the region's communities together and promote co-existence.

"The festival will take place along the Lake Turkana basin, which is known to be the cradle of mankind. President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised to grace the occasion. We also want researchers and tourists to come and explore the Northern region, because it is home to so many opportunities," said Mr Yatani.

The governor said the festival, which also attracts participants from other counties such as Nairobi and Isiolo, will aim to achieve key objectives like integration of cultural diversity, co-existence, marketing local tourism, promotion of foreign tourism as well the use of culture for economic productivity.

He also urged hoteliers and other stakeholders in the hospitality industry to invest in the region.

"We are in the process of putting up hotels along Lake Turkana in order to ensure tourism thrives. Tourist numbers have grown from 500 in 2014 to over 1,000 in 2015 and we are expecting approximately 5,000 this year from as far as Australia, Netherlands and the UK," he said.

Investment opportunities

Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts Principal Secretary Richard Ekai said the event offers an opportunity for the Northern Kenya region to show case itself.

He attributed the growth in the region to devolution.

"It is the first time we are having a marathon along the shores of Lake Turkana. Our aim is to show that Northern Kenya has investment opportunities to invest, and is rich in young talent," said Mr Ekai.

He added: "Sports has an impact of transforming cities as was the case with Zurich with FIFA, Montreal with Wada. Locally, Eldoret has been transformed by top athletes."

The races on offer will include 10kms for men and women, a children's race, and a 21-km race for both men and women.

Prizes include money and gifts from the communities such as camels, goats and cows.