As the sun rose over Kenya’s arid north this December, thousands converged on Turkana County for Tobong’u Lore, an annual cultural festival reclaiming narratives about one of East Africa’s most storied regions. For many visitors in 2025, the journey to Lodwar—a town often reduced to headlines about drought—has become a pilgrimage of rediscovery.
Travelers this year faced logistical hurdles, with flights to Lodwar fully booked weeks in advance. The surge reflects growing interest in Turkana’s living heritage, as communities showcase traditional dance, oral histories, and craftwork during the weeklong event. Local organizers emphasize its role in fostering unity: "Tobong’u Lore isn’t just about the past," says elder Nakai Ewoi. "It’s how we teach our children to balance tradition with Kenya’s rapid changes."
For diaspora returnees and international observers alike, the festival challenges outdated perceptions. Satellite images of Turkana’s expanding greenbelt—a result of recent climate adaptation projects—hang alongside exhibits of ancient beadwork, painting a fuller picture of resilience. As night temperatures dip below 20°C, the warmth of shared stories around communal fires underscores what statistics cannot: a region rewriting its story through cultural pride.
