President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging culture and heritage as engines of tourism, unity and economic growth, as he officially opened the 9th edition of the Tobong’u Lore cultural festival in Lodwar, Turkana County.
Speaking during the event, President Ruto praised the Turkana County Government and its partners for organising what he described as a magnificent and colourful festival that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage.
“I am delighted, as always, to join you for the Turkana Culture and Tourism Festival, Tobong’u Lore, now in its 9th edition,” the President said.
He described Turkana County as the true Home of Humankind, citing its globally renowned archaeological and cultural treasures that tell the story of ancient life and early human journeys.
The President noted that the festival brings together pastoralist communities from northern Kenya, including West Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo and Laikipia, as well as cross-border communities from Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
“This festival serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the region’s unique cultural identity, traditions, and practices,” Ruto said, adding that its growing visibility is attracting both local and international visitors and elevating Turkana’s profile on the global cultural tourism map.
President Ruto urged the county government to intensify marketing efforts through partnerships with travel agencies and targeted promotional campaigns to fully harness the tourism potential of the festival and the region.
He said Kenya’s cultural diversity remains one of the country’s greatest strengths, describing traditions, languages, music and indigenous knowledge as living assets that must be protected, promoted, and harnessed for development.
The Head of State revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, is advancing plans for the Home of Humankind Project, which will include a world-class Human Origins Museum and Science Park.
“Feasibility studies are currently underway that will culminate in the establishment of this great institution in the region,” he said, noting that the project will position Turkana as a global hub for scientists, tourists and investors.
Ruto said culture has been deliberately anchored in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda as a driver of jobs, enterprise and inclusive growth.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to document and digitise Kenya’s living heritage, guided by national policies and UNESCO commitments.
The President welcomed the recent inscription of the Mwazindika Spiritual Dance of the Dawida Community on UNESCO’s list of elements in need of urgent safeguarding, saying it would draw global attention to cultural preservation and tourism promotion.
He further outlined government investments in infrastructure to open up Turkana, including road networks, Lodwar Airport and fisheries facilities at Lake Turkana.
As he declared the festival officially open, Ruto called for collaboration among governments, elders, cultural practitioners and development partners to ensure heritage delivers tangible benefits to communities.
“Let us celebrate our diversity, strengthen our unity, and build a future where culture, tourism, and enterprise work together to transform lives,” he said.
