The 29th Koroga, a by-monthly musical festival, will make its debut outside Nairobi. For the first time, Naivasha in Nakuru County will host the two day event.
Dubbed, ‘Naivasha Love Edition’ will be held at Hell’s Gate on February 14-15, 2020 coinciding with Valentine’s Day.
According to Naivasha Love Festival (NLF) chairman Kimani Gitau, the event be held at a cost of KSh25 million is targeting more than 10, 000 tourists from all over the world and over 5, 000 local tourists.
Initially, environmentalists and the public expressed were concerned about the location.
Dr. Paula Kahumbu, chief executive WildlifeDirect had said she was ‘disappointed’.
“I am very disappointed to read this news -I urge KWS Kenya and Kenya Tourism Board to take parks management work seriously, #KorogaFestival is not in any management plan, is not related to wildlife and cd be held in any conservancy,” she tweeted.
.@tunajibu i am very disappointed to read this news -I urge @kwskenya and @magicalkenya to take parks management work seriously, #KorigaFdstical is not in any managenent plan, is NOTrelated to wildlife and cd be held in any conservancy, #supportcommunities, #SaveOurParks RT
— Dr. Paula Kahumbu (@paulakahumbu) December 26, 2019
This just defines greed & human arrogance with ignorance!!
The damaging effects such a huge event could have on such a sensitive & endangered ecology would be irreversible.I’m sure @kwskenya is also just looking to profit from park entry fees!!
— onlinemasai (@onlinemasai) December 24, 2019
However, the Kenya Wildlife Service has given the event a green light to continue with its plans.
In a statement on Friday, KWS said that the park had sites designated for hosting events where insecurity and disturbance is minimised.
“We also have clear regulations for the event organisers, including timing, noise levels, and clean-up after events,” KWS said.
“As guardians of Kenya’s national parks, we assure the public of our utmost commitment to maintaining the ecological integrity of these conservation and recreation facilities,” it added.
It further said the park has been host to various events too. “To Hells Gate on a Wheelbarrow” and “Safaricom Jazz Festival” without significant damage to biodiversity in the park.
“This is largely because unlike other wildlife-based national parks, Hell’s Gate is an activity-based conservation and recreation facility renowned for cycling, rock-climbing, horse riding, camping, walking, sight-seeing, and event hosting,” the statement read.
STATEMENT ON PLANNED KOROGA FESTIVAL IN HELL'S GATE NATIONAL PARK IN FEBRUARY 2020 pic.twitter.com/oqXTRm8xoR
— Kenya Wildlife Service (@kwskenya) December 27, 2019
The Koroga Festival is a celebration of African music, food, art and fashion brought to you in the form of a concert and open boutique market.
Aptly named after the Swahili word meaning “mix,” The Koroga Festival is a great reflection of Kenya’s brilliant and diverse local talent, whilst also attracting leading artists from all over the world through music, fashion, food and arts.
