Kisumu County is hosting the 89th edition of the annual National Music and Cultural Festival under the theme; Fostering National pride, cultural diversity, talents and economic empowerment.
The festival kicked off at the Tom Mboya Labour College from Friday, November 20 and will come to a close on Thursday, November 26.
Kisumu County is the second county to host the Festival following the advent of devolution after Nakuru in 2014.
Olivia Ranguma, the wife of Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, is the chief guest at the opening of the festival that is anticipated to host over 40,000 participants from all over the country, showcasing different art forms in poetry, drama, music, traditional regalia among others.
The festival organised by the State Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu brings together government departments, state corporations, churches, cultural groups, tertiary institutions and clubs.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kisumu on Thursday, Lucy Matengo, the Chief Officer for Youth, Culture and Social Services said:
"It Is an honour for Kisumu County to be selected as the second county to host this festival whose main objective is to nurture talent and foster national cohesion."
Matengo also encouraged the business community in the County to showcase their products and services during the week-long bonanza which is anticipated to boost trade in the coastal city as a result of the magnitude of visitors from all over the country.
According to the organisers, precautionary measures have been put in place and both participants and members of the public are assured of their security throughout the festival.
Gate charges are Sh100 for adults and Sh50 for children.
This is barely three months after the coastal city hosted the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Music Festivals which saw thousands of participants from schools, colleges and universities flood the city for nearly two weeks.