Turkana County is home to one of Kenya's most distinct ethnic groups, the Turkana people. Known for their resilience, deep-rooted traditions, and rich heritage, they have maintained a unique cultural identity for generations. Celebrating this legacy, the annual Turkana Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’u Lore, has become one of Kenya's most anticipated events, drawing attendees from around the world to Lodwar. This festival showcases Turkana customs, music, dance, and art while promoting peace and unity across diverse communities in the region.
On October 24th –26th , 2024, Turkana County held its 8th Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore, themed "Celebrating our culture to promote tourism, peaceful coexistence, and climate resilience for sustainable development." The event was attended by President William Ruto, Chair Council of Governors (CoG) H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, CoG Vice Chair H.E. Mutahi Kahiga, Host Governor H.E. Jeremiah Lomorukai, and other dignitaries.
During the event, President Ruto declared the festival a global event, encouraging international tourists to visit Kenya visa-free. He highlighted the region’s history as the site of some of humanity's oldest settlements and encouraged all attendees to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for shared heritage.
"Thousands of years ago, this was humanity’s first home. Today, it hosts vibrant cultural activities, connecting Kenya's communities and linking Kenya and Africa to the world,” Ruto stated. He added that Tobong’u Lore allows visitors to experience Kenya's cultural richness, raising the region's profile on the global tourism map.
Host Governor Lomorukai extended a warm invitation to the world, describing Turkana as the "cradle of humankind" after the 1.6-million-year-old remains of the Turkana Boy were discovered here. "The event offers not only a celebration of the Turkana community's heritage but also economic opportunities for locals," Lomorukai noted.
The attending governors urged the national government to promote cultural tourism in all regions, enhancing traditional tourism alongside coastal and safari attractions. Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi emphasized that Tobong’u Lore attracts similar language-speaking communities from neighboring East African countries, underscoring its potential for international unity.
"The festival unites communities affected by climate change, fostering peaceful coexistence that helps them share scarce resources across borders," Abdullahi stated.
Governors also called for regional unity, stressing that peaceful coexistence improves living standards, while conflict only leads to poverty and hunger. The Turkana Cultural Festival, therefore, holds promise as a beacon of tourism and cultural celebration, enhancing Turkana's regional and international appeal.
Far beyond dance and art, the Turkana Cultural Festival serves as a convergence point for communities seeking unity and understanding. Set against Turkana’s resilient landscape, it reminds Kenyans and visitors alike of the value of cultural preservation and peaceful co-existence. As it grows, the festival exemplifies how heritage, when honored and shared, fosters harmony, bridges divide, and drives sustainable development.