The Chenda Chenda Festival 2025 is a vibrant celebration of Mijikenda unity, heritage, and cultural transmission, taking place on September 9th at Pwani University in Kilifi and in Kwale, gathering the nine sub-tribes in a momentous showcase of identity and aspiration. This captivating festival not only prioritizes tradition but also echoes the pulse of social progress, youth education, and the vision of county and national governments for the coastal region’s advancement.

What Is the Chenda Chenda Festival?

The Chenda Chenda Festival is held every September 9th, symbolizing “chenda”—the number nine in the Mijikenda language—reflecting the unity of the Giryama, Chonyi, Rabai, Ribe, Jibana, Kambe, Kauma, Duruma, and Digo sub-tribes. This annual event transcends entertainment, acting as a cultural classroom for youth and a reaffirmation of continuity for elders. At Pwani University and in Kwale this year, attendees will witness ancestral dances, pulsating music, artisanal exhibitions, and traditional rituals.

Significance to the Mijikenda People

• Unity in Diversity: The festival unites all nine sub-tribes, reinforcing solidarity and collective identity despite varied dialects and traditions.
• Cultural Transmission: Music, dance, and rituals serve as living history lessons, actively engaging the youth with their roots and ensuring the culture endures across generations.
• Community Reflection: Guided by respected Kaya elders, the festival is a space for evaluating community decisions and planning for the future, drawing upon traditional wisdom and leadership.

Resonance with the Youth and Future Generations

• Cultural Education: The festival’s themes—such as “Our Culture is Our Pillar”—engage young people in the value and strength of their Mijikenda heritage, giving cultural identity new relevance in a changing world.
• Participatory Tradition: Instead of passive observance, youth take part in performances, exhibitions, and competitions, helping them form a sense of pride and belonging.
• Progressive Advocacy: The event is also a platform for supporting girl-child education and dignified livelihoods for elders, ensuring that tradition evolves alongside social progress.

County and National Government Initiatives

• Strategic Support: High-profile leaders like Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa are visible supporters, symbolizing political commitment to cultural preservation and unity.
• Infrastructure and Economy: Government plans include the construction of the Mijikenda Cultural Centre in Kilifi to boost tourism, preserve indigenous knowledge, and drive economic growth.
• Societal Development: At the Chenda Chenda Festival, leaders use the platform to highlight broader goals—such as gender equality, elder care, and environmental conservation—showcasing a holistic vision for the region’s future.

Embark on the Festival Journey

Come September 9th, the Chenda Chenda Festival will welcome everyone to a day where history, aspiration, and vibrant culture intertwine in Kilifi at Pwani University and in Kwale. Expect ancestral dances, colorful Mijikenda attire, traditional foods, rhythmic music, and inspirational speeches from elders and leaders. This festival is more than a celebration—it’s the heartbeat of a community, carrying ancestral legacy forward with youthful energy and visionary leadership.

This is a unique chance for the coastal region to showcase its rich tapestry of customs—a moment when culture is not static, but alive, progressive, and inclusive for all generations