Lodwar – December 14, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government has kicked off the 9th edition of the Turkana Cultural Festival Tobong’u Lore, beginning today until December 18, 2025. Ob this first day, denominational prayers and a traditional cleansing ceremony will kick off the day at Ekaales Cultural Centre.

Speaking during an assessment exercise, the County Secretary Amb. Dr. Richard Ekai said all preparations were in top gear and that infrastructure set up at the venue had been fully completed.

“The county government is fully prepared to host Tobong’u Lore. Critical infrastructure, including electricity, street lighting, and reliable water supply has been completed at the venue,” said Dr. Ekai.

He revealed that delegates from the wider Ateker community, including participants from Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia have arrived, highlighting the festival’s growing regional significance.

The County Executive for Trade, Gender and Tourism, James Longole Wangiros, said the county was leveraging the festival to promote cultural tourism and local economic empowerment.

“Tobong’u Lore is not only a cultural celebration but a major platform for promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We are ready to welcome visitors and investors from across the region and beyond,” Wangiros stated.

On his part, the Director for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Boniface Korobe, emphasized the importance of the opening rituals, noting that they reflect the deep cultural values of the Turkana people.

“The denominational prayers and cleansing of the venue mark a significant cultural moment, symbolizing unity, peace, and spiritual readiness as we usher in this important festival,” Korobe said.

The Tobong’u Lore festival brings together communities from Turkana and neighbouring ethnic groups to celebrate culture, heritage, peace, and unity through music, dance, art, and traditional practices.

Present were Joseph Epem (CECM, Health and Sanitation), Roseline Aite (CECM, Finance and Economic planning), chief officers Moses Korea (Office of the Governor), Triza Anoni (Energy and Petroleum), and Phoebe Kaaman (Advisor of Culture and Heritage) and a host of county directors were present.