Tantalizing cuisines

At Tobong'u Lore cultural experience was not limited to songs and dance performances. Many stalls offered local cuisines that tantalized visitors and locals alike.

"I love the food, especially nyama choma (grilled meat)," said Jane Kalombe, who had traveled from Nairobi to attend the festival.

In addition to the performances and exhibitions at the Ekalees Cultural Centre, Kalombe got an opportunity to visit several tourist attractions near Lodwar.

"This was the best way for me to unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. I plan to attend next year, too, and will invite my friends."

Visitors also got an opportunity to view Turkana traditional huts and traditional kitchen containers.

The nomadic Turkana people build temporary, dome-shaped dwellings using malleable sticks and rope for their changing location. These structures lack doors, allowing for faster detection of threats and quicker escape.

They also use kitchen containers crafted from skin and wood, with only a handful of clay cooking pots. Each container is intricately designed for a specific purpose.

Lillyrose Akori, a Turkana resident, said that in addition to child care and household chores, women are responsible for building semipermanent houses because men are primarily involved in herding. They weave various items such as baskets, lampshades, table mats, shopping bags, coasters and brooms using palm leaves for domestic consumption and sale.

Visitors enjoyed the rich Turkana culture and performances despite the region's extreme heat, which explains the locals' preference for traditional clothing that leaves parts of their bodies exposed.

"Although I had heard that Turkana is hot, I underestimated the heat," said Joan Mukiri, an attendee. "I didn't bring light clothing with me, so I couldn't explore as much as I wanted."