Nairobi hosts third Somali Cultural Festival as crowds flock to Two Rivers Mall
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Jabril said the festival plays an important role in promoting awareness and recognition of Somali culture within Kenya.
The third edition of the Somali Cultural Festival at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi opened on Friday, marking the start of a three-day event that is expected to draw thousands of people over the next three days.
The festival brings together vendors, artists, cultural experts and members of the public who want to learn more about Somali traditions, food and history.
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The launching ceremony brought together several guests, including participating exhibitors and the top leadership of Two Rivers Mall. The event was led by the mall’s partner and Group Chief Operating Officer of Centum, Thomas Omondi. The Ambassador of Somalia to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, attended as the chief guest.
The festival aims to give attendees a space to shop, interact, listen to Somali music and learn about Somali heritage.
Organisers say the event is also designed to help people from different backgrounds meet, network and understand each other better.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Jabril said the festival plays an important role in promoting awareness and recognition of Somali culture within Kenya.
He said showcasing the traditions of different communities can help people understand the multicultural nature of the country.
“Somali is one of the main communities known to be very productive when it comes to business; they have a huge presence in Kenya,” he said.
The ambassador said the exhibition would highlight several aspects of Somali identity, including cultural practices, Somali cuisines and Somali history. He encouraged people from across the region to visit the festival during the three days.
“This exhibition will showcase the Somali culture, the Somali cuisines, and the Somali history,” he said. “We are asking people across the region and those who are in Nairobi to come and attend and enjoy.”
He noted that events of this kind provide a platform for learning and exchange, which can help strengthen relations among different communities living in Kenya. According to him, the growing Somali population in the country contributes in many ways to the economy and social life, and the festival helps highlight that contribution.
Some of the vendors set up their stalls at Two Rivers Mall during the first day of the Somali Cultural Week. (Justine Ondieki)
Centum Group COO Omondi said the interaction between Two Rivers Mall and the Somali community is part of the mall’s daily operations. He said the festival creates an opportunity to understand the community better.
“The Somali community is a large community, and we interact with this community every day. There are a few people who may not understand this culture,” he noted.
He said he was personally eager to explore the activities lined up for the festival.
“I am looking forward to seeing and understanding the culture, the food, and the other things that this community brings to Two Rivers,” he said.
Omondi explained that Two Rivers Mall welcomes community-based events because they give businesses and visitors a chance to learn from each other. He added that cultural celebrations help strengthen relationships between shoppers and the businesses that operate in the mall.
Vendors participating in the festival are offering a wide range of products, including clothing, traditional household items, Somali foods and art. Many of them said the event gives them a chance to connect with new customers and share their work with people who may not be familiar with Somali traditions.
Organisers say the live performances scheduled over the next three days will include Somali music, poetry, and storytelling. They expect these activities to draw large crowds, especially in the evenings and during the weekend.
Some members of the Somali community who were present during the launch said they hope the festival will help people understand their way of life better. Attendees from other communities said the event provides a space where families can learn together, shop and enjoy entertainment rooted in Somali heritage.
The festival will continue until Sunday evening, with organisers expecting more visitors as the weekend approaches. The event area at Two Rivers Mall will remain open throughout the day to accommodate anyone who wants to participate in the activities or learn more about Somali culture.
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