Friday, November 28, 2026, saw Two Rivers Mall transformed into a hub of Somali culture, as the Somali Arts and Cultural Festival launched to celebrate heritage and community ties.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, said culture remains one of the strongest ways to build connections between nations.
The Ambassador praised the Somali community for its creativity, resilience, and achievements worldwide, describing the festival as a reflection of identity, tradition, and shared history.
“This event is very important because it showcases the Somali culture,” he said, underlining the role of cultural exchange in strengthening ties between Kenya and Somalia.
Scheduled to run for three days, the festival invites both Somali and Kenyan communities to engage with Somali traditions, promoting mutual respect, coexistence, and a celebration of diversity.
Organisers created the festival to preserve and share Somali art forms, including poetry, music, culinary traditions, weaving, calligraphy, storytelling, and handmade crafts.
It also serves as a platform to connect Somali creatives and entrepreneurs with local and international audiences.
Ahmed Mohamed (Asmali), CEO of Asmali Media, encouraged everyone to attend and enjoy the festival, stressing that it is designed to be inclusive.
“Come enjoy this event, it is free. This is where the Somali community promote their coexistence, in harmony and peace. The event also helps understand the Somali culture,” Ahmed said, emphasising the festival’s open invitation to all communities.
Accessibility is a key feature of the festival, with organisers ensuring that no one is excluded due to cost, making it easy for families, students, and culture enthusiasts to take part.
The festival continues a tradition of cultural events that have demonstrated how art and heritage can strengthen social ties and foster diplomatic understanding between communities.
Earlier this week, Shurea Nkutu, Marketing Manager at Two Rivers Mall, told Radio Generation that the mall remains committed to hosting events that unite communities.
She described the festival as a reflection of the mall’s mission to celebrate Kenya’s diversity and create inclusive spaces.
“Two Rivers Mall is proud to host the Somali Cultural Festival because it gives Kenyans a chance to learn, interact and appreciate the richness of Somali heritage,” Shurea said.
The festival opened with a vibrant display of Somali culture, including food tasting, henna artistry, traditional performances, and photography exhibitions capturing the Somali way of life over generations.
Visitors explored stalls offering traditional clothing, handmade jewellery, and cultural artefacts that showcase centuries of craftsmanship.
Organisers also highlighted the festival’s role as a social and economic bridge, enabling Somali entrepreneurs and artisans to reach broader audiences.
This year’s festival emphasises unity, identity, and shared history, drawing attention to the connections between communities in Kenya.
With its free entry and location in a high-traffic venue, organisers anticipate large attendance over the three-day event.
