Beach carnival in Budalang'i marks peak of Christmas

Residents of Budalang'i ushered in Christmas by celebrating their annual Isambo beach carnival.

Hundreds of people from the Abanyala sub-tribe of the Luhya community participated in the cultural event, which took place at Marenga and Bukoma beaches on Thursday.

The activities included boat races, beach boxing, beach wrestling, beach volley, athletics, football, beauty contests, tug-of-war and food competition.

In the boat racing, Machinery, Mama Namdee, Kukhu Achieng and Safaricom teams participated. Machinery emerged tops.

Budalang'i has been associated with floods but the area has now been turned into an agricultural hub and a tourism attraction site.

Area MP Ababu Namwamba said Isambo is a major event in the Abanyala calendar that aims at celebrating the community's natural resources and culture.

"Isambo in Luhya means celebration and being happy. We are here to rejoice and identify with our culture, natural resources like hills, water towers and our people. This is an annual event that has drawn people from Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Vihiga and Siaya counties," said Ababu.

In attendance were MPs Lisamula Anami and Michael Onyura.

Tourism destination

The ODM secretary general affirmed that Budalang'i was a rich tourism destination and challenged the Ministry of Tourism to survey and explore the area.

"Budalang'i is reborn and the Government should explore the great potential in this area. We have unique features and I believe it is a good western tourist circuit that should be showcased to the world. Let us not concentrate on the Coast and Masai Mara alone," reiterated the legislator.

He said infrastructure and hospitality industries were still a challenge in the area, adding that the road network towards the beach was currently under construction.

"The Busia County Government needs to invest in an airport and Kakamega airstrip should be upgraded to international standards. Plans are at an advanced stage to set up a three-star hotel and business people should take the opportunity to invest to spur development," he said.

Ababu also hinted that the county intended to partner with the Ministry of Tourism in a bid to market Budalang'i as a complete tourism package.

"We are putting together a capable tourism package that can be marketed and sold to the whole world. This is an event with a business message and the county should create an enabling environment for  investors," he said.