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Somali Idd Festival set to celebrate Kenya's cultural diversity

Somalia ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle during the Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo 2024 gala dinner held at the National Museums of Kenya on April 12, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

By Hanifa Adan | 13 Apr 2024

The event is geared to celebrate and promote Somali culture in Kenya.

The Nairobi National Museum on Friday played host to a gala dinner to mark the inaugural Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo 2024 set for April 13 and April 14, 2024.

The event is geared to celebrate and promote Somali culture in Kenya, while also providing a platform for businesses to network and showcase their products that hold a special place in the Somali community.

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The dinner was graced by various dignitaries including the Somalia ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, the Director-General of National Museums Kenya Mary Gikungu, the Deputy Governor of Mandera Dr Ali Maalim, the Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and the Director of Culture Kiprop Lagat among others.

"We encourage the National Museums of Kenya to further invigorate its efforts to collect, preserve and share the beauty of culture and heritage of the rest of the East African community. The event is about fostering and appreciating cultural diversity that is crucial for Kenya's prosperity," said Ambassador Jabril.

Jabril said that the event is not just a celebration of Somali culture but also a showcase of the vibrant thriving Somali businesses across Kenya.

Somalia ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan during the Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo 2024 gala dinner held at the National Museums of Kenya on April 12, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Lagat emphasised the importance of culture and how it reminds us of who we are.

"Culture is not just about the past but it is living, current and adapts to everyday life. The Somali culture and cuisine continue to influence the culinary traditions of the people of Kenya," says Lagat.

Rajo Cultural Academy entertains guests who attended the Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo gala dinner held at the National Museum of Kenya. pic.twitter.com/pjf9iAH6Et
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 13, 2024

Unique contributions

Lagat added that the Somali culture has made unique contributions to Kenya's livelihoods.

The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) CEO Mohamed Aden Osman during the Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo 2024 gala dinner held at the National Museums of Kenya on April 12, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

"The growth and appreciation of the Somali culture in Kenya is highly notable and appreciated. We even have Kenyans doing the Somali traditional dances and Kenya is headed in the right direction with the diversity unifying us," said MP Yusuf Hassan.

The Somali Idd Festival and Business Expo 2024 targets at least 6,000 people over the two days with free entry.

The main objective of the event is to foster an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures which is essential for the Kenyan society's cohesion and prosperity.

The two-day extravaganza will also offer an immersive experience filled with cultural exchange, traditional performances, culinary showcases and various interactive activities.

The event also provides an opportunity to place the Somali Community among the Kenyan society.