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The second Taptengelei Festival kicked off on Friday, December 16, in Tinderet, Nandi County, attracting thousands eager to experience the rich traditions of the Kalenjin community.
Spanning three days, the festival showcased traditional food, music, dance, indigenous medicine, and farming practices. It is part of the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, an initiative aimed at diversifying Kenya’s tourism beyond beaches and safaris.
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At the event, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Kenya’s cultural identity and adventure tourism.
“The Mountain and Trail Series celebrates our heritage, community, and natural beauty. It is a key project aimed at raising tourism revenue to 1 trillion shillings while creating economic opportunities nationwide,” he said.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano noted that the festival and mountain trail events showcase Kenya’s untapped tourism potential.
“These events ensure communities across the country benefit from tourism, whether through storytelling, crafts, or the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run. There is something for everyone in the North Rift,” she said.
The festival, hosted at Kapseon Primary School, also launched the mountain trails segment of the series. The 20-kilometre Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run drew athletes, families, and local residents, highlighting Nandi County as a hub for high-altitude endurance sports.
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The mountain run serves multiple purposes: promoting sports tourism, boosting local economies, and acting as a talent scouting platform for athletes preparing for international competitions. The event welcomes participants of all ages, from five-year-olds to runners aged 70, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive sports development.
Leaders including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Tourism PS John Ololtuaa, and Kenya Tourism CEO June Chepkemei attended, underscoring the collaboration between national and county governments in leveraging tourism and sports for development.
The festival revived Kalenjin pride, offering visitors an immersive experience through cultural dances, culinary showcases, and indigenous practices. By combining heritage and high-altitude sports, Taptengelei positions Nandi County as a unique destination while illustrating that Kenya’s tourism extends well beyond beaches and wildlife safaris.
