Nairobi is gearing up for a colourful Jamhuri Day weekend as the Nairobi City County Government hosts the three-day Nairobi Festival from December 12–14 at Uhuru Park.
After months of preparation, the event is expected to attract thousands of residents eager to immerse themselves in the city’s culture, creativity and energy.
Under the theme “Experience the Vibe of the City,” this year’s edition brings an expanded programme designed to appeal to families, youth, creatives and food lovers alike.
The Nairobi Street Food Festival will highlight some of the city’s most popular dishes, while DOBA performances and the Dunda Music Stage promise non-stop entertainment from morning to late night.
Live art installations, cultural parades and an extended kids’ zone will give attendees plenty to explore throughout the day.
A major standout for 2025 is the BEBA Awards, hosted in partnership with FEDCO. Set to be the biggest matatu showcase ever staged in Nairobi, the exhibition will assemble some of the capital’s most famous nganyas and senkes — complete with custom artwork, chrome detailing, LED displays and powerful sound systems.
The showcase will run on December 12 from 4pm to 7pm and is expected to draw large crowds of matatu lovers and photographers.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has called on Nairobians to show up in huge numbers, saying, “Tukutane Nairobi Festival hii Jamhuri Day weekend. Karibuni!”
To maintain accessibility, ticket prices have been kept low at Sh50 for children and Sh100 for adults. Tickets can be bought via USSD *647#, with additional gate sales available, though the county has maintained a strict no-cash policy for all payments.
Organisers say the arrangements are in place to ensure smooth entry and a safer, more convenient experience for attendees.
The festival, which will run daily from 10am until late, aims to offer a safe, family-friendly and culturally rich celebration of Nairobi.
With food, music, art, matatus, fireworks and a buzzing community atmosphere, the Nairobi Festival is positioned to once again remind residents why the city remains East Africa’s cultural heartbeat.