Kenya Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Kenya, KE, East Africa)
A mixture of cultural activities, traditional festivals and much-loved sporting events make up Kenya's busy calendar. In addition, countless African events are held in many of the country's towns and villages throughout the year.
In
Nairobi, seasonal things to do come in good supply, with particular highlights including the Kenya Fashion Week and the Tusker Safari Sevens rugby tournament, both of which are staged each year in June. Another popular event in Nairobi is the Kenya Music Festival in August, which takes place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre on Harambee Avenue, close to the City Hall and the Parliament Buildings.
Kenya Calendar of Festivals and Events
January
- New Year's Day - New Year is celebrated all over the country with fireworks and family get-togethers
February
- Whale Shark Diving - a month-long diving season for whale sharks near Diani, Malindi and Watamu
March
- Kijani Festival - this music fest features a varied repertoire, from jazz music to ballet fusion
April
- KCB Safari Rally - a chance to see a world-class motor sport event held in the Nairobi area. The course covers some 700 km / 435 miles
- Kenya Open Golf Championship - this annual golf tournament is played out each April in Nairobi
May
- Rhino Charge - this annual off-road motor race each May takes competitors deep into the African bush of Kenya, whilst also raising funds for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust
- Dugong Festival - held on Lamu Island to raise awareness of the native Dugong dolphin, this annual event also includes an entertaining donkey race
June
- Lewa Marathon - this long-distance running event takes local and international competitors on a scenic route through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Lamu Maulidi Festival - the Maulidi is celebrated by Muslims in the town of Lamu through processions and prayers. A donkey race and other sporting activities are also staged during the celebrations
- Kenya Fashion Week - an expo-style fashion extravaganza held at the Sarit Centre each June, in the Westlands area of Nairobi
- Tusker Safari Sevens - an international rugby tournament, with seven players on each side, held at the Impala Club on Ngong Road, withi Nairobi's suburb of Karen
- Kenya International Trade Exhibition - brings together local and international business communities. Thousands of products are showcased, ranging from consumer electrics to cosmetics
July
- Sigana International Storytelling Festival - held in Nairobi. Professional storytellers come from all over the world each July to participate
August
- Malaral Camel Derby - a camel race that has become a popular tourist attraction. Held in Malaral, Northern Kenya, international participants arrive to compete against Kenya's champions. Other attractions include a cycle race and children's activities
- Kwani Literary Festival - a variety of word-related events, including readings and signings by African authors
- Lola Kenya Screen Film Festival - a film fest for children and young people, taking place in Nairobi each year. Films include those made for television, as well as music videos and video games
- Kenya Music Festival - staged at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi and lasting ten days in total, featuring mainly African music
September
- Concours d'Elegance - classic car and motorcycle festival held every September in Nairobi. Whilst vintage vehicles are the main attraction, there is also lots of sideshow entertainment
October
- Kenya International Film Festival - annual international film fest hosting films and filmmakers from all over Africa. Events are held in a variety of venues in Nairobi. Festival activities include screenings and film premieres, competitions, workshops and debates, and music performances by local artists
- Kenya International Puppetry Festival - held in Nairobi each October, this event includes everything from workshops on puppet construction to an exhibition of masks and puppets, as well as theatre performances
November
- Shaggy Dog Show - animal lovers come from all over Kenya to take part in this fun day out for all the family. Organised by the KSPCA as a fund-raising event, the show is held in Nairobi
- Craft of Africa - held in the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, local craftwork is put on display
- Mombasa Carnival - two lively parades make up this carnival held in Moi Avenue each year in November, with plenty of brightly coloured costumes, music and dancing to entertain
December
- Kenya Music Week - held in Nairobi, visitors can take in an entertaining music programme that includes the best that the country's musicians can offer
- Jamhuri Day - the country's Independence Day on December 12th is celebrated in style with military parades, air shows and plenty of dancing