• Tourism players team up to promote Malindi as the destination of choice in East Africa
• Celebrated Tanzanian artist Omar Mbosso to set the pace during the festival
Image: FILE
More than 10,000 tourists are expected in Malindi for this year’s Easter festival at Ocean Beach resort.
The festival is a collaboration of several tourism players, among them Malindi District Cultural Association, Kilifi County Talents Association, Malindi Handcrafts and Jambo Jet Airline.
Celebrated Tanzanian artist Omar Mbosso is expected to lead the performance during the festival.
The organisers expect all the country's 47 governors and diplomats to attend, according to Nick Angore, a director of Boulevards Budhas Lounge.
They have signed a two-year contract with Stevkaf Limited, an established events organiser in East Africa, to spearhead to the programmes and bring in celebrity artists.
Angore said Mbosso will showcase his talent for emulation by local artists.
“If Omar Mbosso comes, youth in Kilifi county will learn from somebody who has been successful,’’ he said.
Events consultant Samuel Kisandu said Malindi will, in the next one year, be hosting major events.
“For a long time, we have never had cultural events in Malindi. Now we plan to bring on board great musicians including Alicia Keys in the near future,’’ he said.
Habiba Abdulrahman, the festival marketing manager, said the event will be a catalyst for the revival of the tourism sector.
“Malindi, for a long time, has been low on tourism. Hosting a famous artist like Mbosso will attract tourists and all accommodation facilities and hotels will be full,’’ she said.
Habiba said the festival will feature diverse Swahili cultures like the Mijikenda traditional dances and Bango music.
Malindi Easter festival events manager Paul Omeno said their aim is to promote Malindi and Kilifi County as a tourism hub.
Ocean Beach Resort and Spa general manager Maureen Awuor urged Kenyan and East Africans, in general, to come to Malindi and enjoy their Easter.