The second Taptengelei festival kicked off on Friday, December 16, in Tinderet, Nandi county, drawing thousands of participants eager to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Kalenjin community.
The three-day event features local food, music, dance, and cultural shows, along with demonstrations of traditional medicine and farming methods. It is part of the Magical Kenya “Mountain and Trail Series” and aims to grow tourism in Kenya beyond the usual beach and safari trips.
Speaking at the event, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Kenya’s cultural identity and outdoor adventure opportunities.
“The Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series is a unique celebration of our cultural heritage, community spirit, and natural beauty. It is one of the critical projects designed to increase tourism revenue to 1 trillion shillings while creating economic opportunities across the country,” he said.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed these sentiments, noting that the festival and the associated mountain trail events are vital in showcasing Kenya’s untapped tourism potential.
“Through these festivals, we ensure that every corner of Kenya benefits from the tourism economy through community-driven initiatives. Whether visitors are here for storytelling, indigenous crafts, or the challenging Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run, there is something for everyone in the North Rift,” she said.
The festival, held at Kapseon Primary School, set the stage for the launch of the mountain trails component of the Magical Kenya mountain and Trail Series, conducted on Saturday with the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain run, a 20-kilometre race across rugged terrain attracting athletes, families, and community members alike.
The Mountain run continues to play a strategic role in promoting sports tourism, stimulating local economic activity, and positioning Nandi County as a destination for high-altitude endurance sports.
Importantly, the event also serves as a talent identification and trial platform for Kenyan athletes preparing for international competitions, including world championships.
Mountain running remains one of the most competitive athletics disciplines globally, and Kenya’s participation in such events is critical as the country works to improve its current global ranking.
The event emphasises inclusivity, allowing participation from children as young as five to seasoned runners aged 70, demonstrating the government’s commitment to sports development for all.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, and Kenya Tourism CEO June Chepkemei among other leaders, attended the festival and the mountain run, affirming the collaborative efforts between national and county governments in leveraging tourism and sports as tools for national development.
The festival not only rekindled pride in Kalenjin heritage but also highlighted the potential of cultural tourism as a pillar of Kenya’s economic growth.
From traditional dances and culinary demonstrations to indigenous medicine and farming methods, visitors were treated to an immersive experience that bridges history and modern tourism.
As Kenya seeks to move beyond its traditional tourism offerings, the Taptengelei festival provides a model of how culture, adventure, and community engagement can come together to create unique experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
By blending heritage and high-altitude sports, the festival positions Nandi County as a must-visit destination while affirming that Kenya’s stories extend far beyond beaches and wildlife safaris.
