NAKURU, Kenya – The Kenya Cultural Centre, incorporating the Kenya National Theatre, is gearing up for an exciting celebration of World Arts Day in Nakuru County on April 14th and 15th, 2025.
The event, themed “Empowering Communities Through Creativity,” aims to highlight the transformative power of the arts in fostering community empowerment, cultural preservation, and national development.
World Arts Day, celebrated annually on April 15th, serves as a global tribute to the vital role of the arts in shaping inclusive societies.
This year, Nakuru County – a region known for its cultural diversity and emerging creative voices – was chosen as the ideal venue for Kenya’s national celebration.
The festivities will unfold at the Nakuru Showground, where artists, cultural workers, and local communities will come together to celebrate the rich and diverse artistic landscape of Kenya.
From dance and music to fashion and culinary arts, the event promises to showcase the extraordinary range of creative expressions that define the nation’s vibrant arts scene.
The celebration will feature thrilling competitions in a wide variety of artistic categories including poetry, dance, monologues, music, DJ sets, acrobatics, percussion, visual arts, culinary arts, fashion, and short films.
Preliminary rounds will kick off on April 14th, with the grand finale and award ceremony taking place on April 15th.
Winners in each category will be awarded a cash prize of Ksh. 100,000, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation for participants.
In addition to the vibrant performances, the event will offer workshops and forums aimed at equipping artists with practical skills and knowledge.
Key topics will include art entrepreneurship, youth talent development, and cultural preservation, providing participants with valuable tools to enhance their craft and livelihoods.
These sessions are designed to foster sustainable growth for artists, helping them access both local and international markets while navigating the evolving creative economy.
The celebrations will be graced by a host of distinguished guests, including Gitau Thabanja (City Manager, Nakuru), Stephen Kuria (CECM for Youth, Gender, Culture, Sports, and Social Services, Nakuru County), Prof. C.J. Odhiambo (Chairperson, Kenya National Drama and Film Festival), Michael Pundo (CEO, Kenya Cultural Centre), and Jennifer Koikai ( Vice Chairperson, Kenya Cultural Centre Governing Council).
The World Arts Day celebrations are expected to yield numerous benefits for Nakuru County.
The event will empower local artists by providing them with the tools and resources needed to professionalize and monetize their work.
This, in turn, will contribute to the growth of Kenya’s creative economy and reinforce the role of the arts in national development.
Additionally, the celebration will boost cultural tourism in Nakuru, attracting arts enthusiasts and visitors from across the country and beyond.
This influx will support local hospitality, transport, and service industries, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout the region.
By spotlighting both contemporary and traditional art forms, the event will not only promote cultural preservation but also instill a sense of pride in Kenya’s diverse heritage.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to create economic opportunities across various sectors, including the arts.
In embracing digital platforms, this year’s World Arts Day celebration will extend its reach and visibility beyond Nakuru, promoting Kenyan art on a global scale.
By fostering collaboration among artists, institutions, and stakeholders in the creative sector, the event will contribute to the professionalization of the arts while expanding its international footprint.
The Kenya Cultural Centre invites all art lovers, local communities, and cultural enthusiasts to join the World Arts Day celebrations in Nakuru.
The two-day event promises to be a dynamic platform for talent showcase, community empowerment, and a celebration of the transformative power of creativity in shaping the future of Kenya.
