Kisumu ready for Festac Africa Festival – Nyong’o

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu is ready to host this year’s edition of the World Blacks and Africans Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has declared.

Nyong'o says his administration has put proper structures in place, to ensure that the weeklong festival which kicks off on Sunday, August 25, 2024 is successful. Curtains of the event, which will mark the 5th edition, will come down on Sunday, August 01, 2024.

"Security has been beefed up to guarantee safety of all visitors and preparations for the conference and meeting venue have been finalised," he said.

“For art and culture enthusiasts, Kisumu will be the place to be. The Lakeside City will come alive with drum beats, laughter, dances, poetry, and much more,” said the second term county boss.

“I'm proud to announce that Kisumu is ready to host Festac Africa 2024. The venues are prepared, security is heightened, and we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of delegates,” he said.

He added, “We expect participation from 50 countries in 18 conference sessions, with 7,000 participants, 200 speakers, 100 artists, 150 exhibitors, 30 sports activities, and numerous special programs.”

Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium will be the main venue for the event, with participants expected to have 18 conference sessions at the facility. The event has attracted 200 keynote speakers, and 100 performing exhibitors drawn from different parts of the continent.

The official opening on Monday, will be presided over by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga. Odinga is in contention for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairman, with elections set for February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The festival will feature a live performance by Les Wanyika, among other musicians.

Kisumu was set to host the event from May 20 to 26, 2024, before it was postponed as a result of flooding due to heavy downpour at the time.

Festac is Africa’s biggest festival in culture, fashion, music, dance, travel, tourism, trade, investments, arts and crafts, poetry, sports and culinary arts.