Plans in motion for Maa Cultural festival set for Amboseli in November

Preparations for this year’s Maa Festival have started in earnest, with the Ministry officials teaming up with county leaders and cultural stakeholders to plan the highly anticipated event.

Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo hosted Tuesday Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and a delegation from the county for a consultative meeting at her office.

Also present was Culture, Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, alongside representatives from the Maa Economic Bloc.

The high-level consultative meeting focused on coordination, resource mobilisation, and execution strategies for the festival which will take place from November 4-9 at Amboseli National Reserve’s Kimana Gate in Kajiado County.

It also centered on deepening collaboration between the national and county governments in showcasing and preserving Kenya’s cultural heritage.

According to Cheptumo, the government is determined to work hand in hand with counties to use culture as a tool for unity and empowerment.

“We are committed to strengthening Kenya’s cultural expression while creating socio-economic opportunities, especially for women and youth,” she noted.

Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hannan Cheptumo (left) Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir and Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku during the meeting/X

The annual festival aims to promote the heritage and socio-economic development of the Maa-speaking communities by showcasing their culture through vibrant performances, traditional exhibitions, and local crafts.

Bashir described the festival as more than a cultural showcase, emphasising its role in economic transformation.

“We want to deliver an unforgettable experience at this year’s celebration of the rich, deeply rooted, and globally acclaimed Maa culture and heritage,” she said.

Governor Lenku welcomed the collaboration, affirming Kajiado’s readiness to host the event.

He said the five-day festival would strengthen cultural pride within the Maa community while attracting international attention.

“We are honored to host the festival in Amboseli, a global tourist hub, where visitors will experience the beauty of both our culture and environment,” he said.

The festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually, will feature traditional dances, art, cuisine, fashion, and rites of passage.

It is expected to inject vibrancy into the local economy while reinforcing cultural identity and cohesion.

The last event was held in Samburu County and attended by President William Ruto.