Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Tourism and Sustainable Peace

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CONCEPT PAPER Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Tourism and

1 COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MARSABIT REPUBLIC OF KENYA MARSABIT - LAKE TURKANA CULTURAL FESTIVAL TH EDITION VENUE: LOIYANGALANI CONCEPT PAPER Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Tourism and Sustainable Peace Macro 2015 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KENYA WHERE HERITAGE LIVES ON

2 Route Map 19 17

3 notes INTRODUCTION Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival was initiated in 2008 by EL MOSARETU Group that comprised the local communities of Loiyangalani that is El-Molo, Samburu, Rendille and Turkana. The event was sponsored by Germany Embassy of Kenya between Since then the County Government of Marsabit has taken over the Festival and it has expanded bringing together the 14 communities from the entire County. In recognition of its importance, in 2015 the festival was nominated for the prestigious TAGORE International Award for promoting social harmony. Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival offers an opportunity for the 14 communities to demonstrate the richness of their culture and at the same time to experience and appreciate the culture of others. The presentation of the customs and living conditions of these communities, their spectacular traditional costumes, art and craft, dances and music is a unique and fascinating experience. The underlying main goal, therefore, has been and continues to be, promotion of integration, cohesion and peace building among the communities of Marsabit County. Lake Turkana; the largest desert lake in the world often termed 'The Jade Sea' is a World Heritage Site due to its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The lake has several national parks situated within its basin, namely Sibiloi, Central Island and South Island National Parks. South Island is the breeding ground for crocodiles, hippopotamuses and many species of snakes. It is one of Kenya's Important Bird Areas (IBA) as defined by Birdlife International as a key stopover point for Palearctic migrant water birds

Grace Galmo County Executive Committee Email; gbhalakhe@yahoo.com; Cell Phone: +254 (0)725746596 2. Raffaella Bulyaar. Chief Officer, Culture Email:rbulyaar8@yahoo.

4 Central and South Islands, which are volcanic, inhabited by large flocks of greater flamingoes and Nile crocodiles. The Lake Turkana Basin has been ranked as the most potential area for the development of world class tourism destination and archaeological studies. CONTACT PERSONS 1. Grace Galmo County Executive Committee ; Cell Phone: +254 (0) Raffaella Bulyaar. Chief Officer, Culture Cell Phone: +254 (0) Central Island - Loiyangalani South Island - Loiyangalani The latest milestone in the region is the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project (LTWP) located at Sarima, 25 km from Loiyangalani which is expected to produce 300MW of clean energy for Kenya's National Electricity grid. Travelling to northern Kenya is akin to travelling through an 'open museum'. One moves through a myriad of rich pastoralist communities, cultures where modernity and traditional customary lifestyle exist side by side. Along the way, one interacts with Borana, Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, Gabbra and El-Molo cultures co-existing peacefully. 3. Mr Abdullahi Sheikh Chief Officer Social Services sheikhabdul645@gmail.com Cell Phone: +254 (0) Md. Senteyo Baltor ELMOSARETU Chairperson Cell Phone: (0) For more information please visit our festival website: Or our county website is: For any inquiry you can contact: info@laketurkanaculturalfestival.com 2 15

The breath-taking landscape of grassland, semi-desert, scrub land, hills and

sheep and camels; adds to the spectacle of travelling to this

Sakuye Samburu OBJECTIVES Somali Turkana I.) ii.

Protecting culture from increasing threat of culture decay due to changing

) Promote cultural integration, societal cohesion, unity and peace as iv) v.

5 The breath-taking landscape of grassland, semi-desert, scrub land, hills and mountains dotted by herds, people tending their livestock; cattle, goats, sheep and camels; adds to the spectacle of travelling to this 'under-discovered' corner of Kenya. Sakuye Samburu OBJECTIVES Somali Turkana I.) ii.) Appreciation of the County's cultural diversity. Protecting culture from increasing threat of culture decay due to changing social and economic conditions. iii.) Promote cultural integration, societal cohesion, unity and peace as iv) v.) well as co-existence. Market the region s potential for eco-tourism promotion due to its pristine tourist attraction areas. To promote local, regional and international relations and understanding. Desert Museum at Loiyangalani

LOIYANGALANI FESTIVAL SITE Located 700km from Nairobi, Loiyangalani is a rural town perched on the south-eastern shores

The town is surrounded by El Molo and Turkana villages offering unique cultural experiences.

6 LOIYANGALANI FESTIVAL SITE Located 700km from Nairobi, Loiyangalani is a rural town perched on the south-eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The town has become a popular tourist destination in the Upper Eastern reaches of Kenya. The town is surrounded by El Molo and Turkana villages offering unique cultural experiences. Arriving into Loiyangalani, one is greeted by the magnificently enchanting Lake Turkana - [also referred to as Jade Sea due to its green colour]. This vast expanse of water is found in an unremittingly dry place of wind and heat, on whose shores Loiyangalani is located. Silent and unknown to much of the Kenyan population and the rest of the world, the small town is home to many unique groups and undiluted cultures. In this same location is a rock art collection, which reflects the lives and culture of people who inhabited this land millions of years ago. The beauty of Loiyangalani in the evening is breath-taking, with the sun setting into the lake as the moon rises above the hills. The moon gets brighter as it rises and sets in the wee morning hours simultaneously to the rising of the sun. It's akin to watching nature dance to its own beauty. We welcome all to Marsabit - Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (MLTCF) 2016 whose theme is Celebrating Cultural diversity for Tourism and Sustainable Peace that will be held at Loiyangalani from May 19th to 21st Gabbra Konso Garreh Rendille Sidama Waata 4 13

7 COMMUNITIES OF MARSABIT COUNTY The County boasts of 14 indigenous ethnic communities who all have unique and diverse traditions, providing an incredible opportunity for enhancement of cultural tourism. Marsabit County has an immense potential for tourism: this potential remains largely unexploited. There is need to place greater emphasis on tourism in the County, hence the theme of this year's festival, Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Tourism and Sustainable Peace. Rock Art in Loiyangalani Rock Art in Loiyangalani Borana Burji Loiyangalani festival Site Dasaanach El Molo Loiyangalani festival Site

JUSTIFICATION The festival is normally hosted by the County Government and local festival committee in

Drastically reduced incidences of conflict among the communities of the county.

Fossil Remains of Giant Elephant at Koobi Fora Coastal Floodplains south of Koobi Fora ii.

) Stimulation of the local economy through the increased demand for services, hotels, food and artefacts. iv.

wind energy. v.) Has promoted tourism in the region.

8 JUSTIFICATION The festival is normally hosted by the County Government and local festival committee in collaboration with other partners, notably; Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Tourism Board among others. it is evident that since inception of MLTCF, it has had a positive impact in the region including: I) Drastically reduced incidences of conflict among the communities of the county. there is peace, harmony and co-existence among communities. Fossil Remains of Giant Elephant at Koobi Fora Coastal Floodplains south of Koobi Fora ii.) The event promotes sporting activities such as camel race, moran race and boat racing. iii.) Stimulation of the local economy through the increased demand for services, hotels, food and artefacts. iv.) Offers unmeasured opportunities for the investors to exploit the unexplored natural resources e.g. wind energy. v.) Has promoted tourism in the region. Petrified forest remains in Sibiloi Sand Dunes in Chalbi Desert vi.) Massive boost to the community's livelihoods is evident whenever such an occasion is held. vii.) In addition, there is the post festival influence that encourages investors and tourists to keep coming, thus enhancing livelihoods and improving the economy of the County. Desert Palm in Chalbi Desert Sand Storm in Chalbi Desert

tourism attraction photos TENTATIVE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY: 18TH MAY 2016; ARRIVALS THURSDAY:

00pm Flag raising, National Anthem, Prayers, Religious Choirs, Parading of Participating

00pm Cultural Performance Fashion Show Lake Paradise in Marsabit Marsabit National Park 4.

30pm Cohesion Night Artefacts at Koobi Fora Museum Rock Outcrops in Maikona FRIDAY: 20TH MAY

9 tourism attraction photos TENTATIVE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY: 18TH MAY 2016; ARRIVALS THURSDAY: 19TH MAY 2016 TIME ACTIVITY VENUE pm Flag raising, National Anthem, Prayers, Religious Choirs, Parading of Participating Teams pm Cultural Performance Fashion Show Lake Paradise in Marsabit Marsabit National Park pm Chief Guest Speech pm Cohesion Night Artefacts at Koobi Fora Museum Rock Outcrops in Maikona FRIDAY: 20TH MAY 2016 TIME ACTIVITY VENUE am Exhibition of Cultural Foods and Medicines am pm pm School Choirs Local Musicians Cultural Performances Speeches by the Governor, Chief Guest & MCAs Lunch pm pm Boat Racing - flag off by Governors Public swimming Cocktail Party / Sundowner Cultural Talk Public Beach Desert Museum pm Plenary Discussion of this year s Theme at Cultural Site Sunset over Lake Turkana Forolle Mountains on the Kenya-Ethiopia border pm Local Musicians Ethiopian Guest Artist - Abush Zalaqa Fashion Show Cultural night performances by cultural groups at their villages 7

10 SATURDAY: 21ST. MAY 2016 TIME ACTIVITY VENUE am Rock Art Tour (4km north of Loiyangalani) Marti Exhibition of Cultural Food and Medicine Continues pm pm pm pm Visit Elmolo Shrine (Boat hire charges) Moran Race Welcoming the Chief Guest at Airstrip Cultural Dances Camel and Donkey Parade Viewing of the Artefacts at Desert Museum Lunch Viewing the Cultural Village and Stakeholders Stands by the Chief Guest Fashion Show - Curtain Raiser Guest Musican Cultural Performances (All) Speeches Layeni Village Public Beach BENEFITS FOR SPONSORS a) Corporate logo included on all event signage at venues b) Corporate logo in all event marketing print materials and possible newspaper advert. c) Corporate logo included in the invitation letters and all registration materials d) Corporate brand in the event programmes e) MLTCF 2016 ' sponsor' status on the Marsabit County website f) Recognized as sponsor in MLCF 2016 portals. TARGET INVITEES Estimated number of participants at the festival is more than 10,000 people. The Organizing Committee invites local and international tourists, county leaders, private sector participants, local communities, county professionals, non-state actors, potential investors, foreign missions in Kenya, public institutions, families and other stakeholders from the region. 7.30pm till Dawn Music by local artistes / Guest Musician and Fashion Show TOURISM POTENTIAL WITHIN THE COUNTY 8 MLTCF 2016 BUDGET (Ksh) TIME ITEM COST a.) Cultural Group s Transport and Welfare 6,140, b.) Festival Publicity 8,000, c.) d.) e.) f.) g.) h.) Festival Cocktail Dinner for Cultural Groups & VIPs 2,000, Cultural Evening and Fashion Show 3,000, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 2015 MLTCF 2,000, Local Talent and Musicians Outside catering Committees and Guest Facilities Estimated Budget (Ksh) 4,000, ,000, ,500, ,640, Marsabit County is endowed with beautiful scenic sites such as Marsabit National Park, which is famed for its indigenous tropical rain forest, the large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife species. The internationally famous elephant Ahmed lived within Marsabit Mountain forest. The life size statue of Ahmed can be viewed at National Museum of Kenya. There are also amazing crater lakes such as Lake Paradise and Gof Bongole, and other scenic craters like Gof Chobba, Gof Aredo and Gof Ogicho. Other famous sites include Sibiloi National Park and the famous Koobi Fora prehistoric site, famously recognized as the cradle of mankind due to unsurpassed fossil remains dating millions of years back, it's a UNESCO world heritage site. 9

BEACH AND BUSH SAMBURU / SWEETWATERS / MASAI MARA / DIANI BEACH

DAY 1: Nairobi Arrival BEACH AND BUSH SAMBURU / SWEETWATERS / MASAI MARA / DIANI BEACH Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and your driver guide and