Kisumu county will host the sixth edition of the Piny Luo Festival from December 14 to 16, 2026, bringing together Luo communities from Kenya, other parts of Africa and the global diaspora to celebrate their heritage and chart a shared future.
Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o announced that this year's festival will mark a new phase in the growth of the cultural event, with plans to enhance international participation and strengthen ties among Luo communities living beyond Kenya.
The festival is jointly supported by the counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya. It will provide a platform for reflection, dialogue and collective planning on issues affecting the community.
“Piny Luo is more than a cultural gathering. It is a forum for reflection, dialogue and collective planning for the future of our community,” Nyong’o said.
He said the festival, conceived by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was founded on the belief that communities must learn from experience, adapt to changing circumstances and work together to secure a better future.
The governor said the 2026 edition would seek to strengthen cultural connections, unlock economic opportunities and harness the potential of Luo people living in East, Central and parts of West Africa, as well as those in the diaspora.
Nyong’o also announced the immediate establishment of a technical committee to coordinate preparations for the festival.
The committee will be chaired by Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili and will include representatives from the four counties, the Luo Council of Elders and other key stakeholders.
Its responsibilities will include developing a theme that reflects the aspirations and realities facing the community, mobilising resources, coordinating preparations and ensuring the successful delivery of the event.
Nyong’o said the festival comes at a defining moment for the Luo community and presents an opportunity to reaffirm unity, celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen economic prospects and develop a clear vision for the future.
He invited Luo people, friends of the community, development partners and members of the public to attend the three-day event in Kisumu.
The announcement was made in the presence of Luo Council of Elders Ker Odungi Randa, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, elders and senior county officials.
Speaking at the event, Luo Council of Elders Ker Odungi Randa said the festival would provide an opportunity for the Luo community to come together, strengthen unity and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
Randa said the event would also offer a platform for the community to showcase and preserve its traditions, values and identity for present and future generations.
He said the council of elders would work closely with the organisers and other stakeholders to ensure the sixth edition of the Piny Luo Festival is successfully held and achieves its objectives.
