Nairobi: The counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Siaya have officially announced that the 6th Piny Luo Cultural Festival will be held in Kisumu from December 14 to 16, 2026. Leaders have promised an event aimed at promoting culture, unity, and economic opportunities. According to Kenya News Agency, the festival is an annual cultural event that brings together the Luo community from Kenya and the diaspora to celebrate their shared heritage, promote unity, and discuss issues affecting the community's social and economic development. It features traditional music and dance, cultural exhibitions, sporting activities, business forums, academic discussions, and exhibitions by innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as showcases of Luo history, language, and customs. Speaking to the media at the Kisumu Museum, the leaders, led by Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, stated that the festival would serve as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and planning for the future of the Luo community. Nyong'o not ed that the festival was conceived by the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga as a platform for preserving Luo culture while creating opportunities for dialogue on leadership, education, entrepreneurship, investment, and youth empowerment. The festival is founded on the Luo wisdom that experience is the greatest teacher, emphasizing the community's commitment to learning, adapting, and working together for future generations. The governor was accompanied by the Luo Council of Elders, led by Mzee Odungi Randa, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, and other community leaders. According to the governor, the expanded participation is expected to strengthen cultural ties, unlock economic opportunities, and harness the potential of Luo people across the world. Nyong'o noted that this year's festival marks a milestone as organizers seek to broaden participation beyond Kenya by bringing together Luo communities from East, Central, and parts of West Africa, as well as those living in the global diaspor a. He then established the Technical Committee that will oversee preparations for the festival. The committee will be chaired by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili and will comprise representatives from the four host counties, the Luo Council of Elders, and other key stakeholders. The committee has been tasked with developing the festival's theme, coordinating preparations, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the successful organization of the three-day event. Governor Nyong'o said the 2026 festival comes at a defining moment for the Luo community, providing an opportunity to reaffirm unity, celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen economic prospects, and chart a shared vision for the future. He called upon Luo people, friends of the community, development partners, and the general public to support the festival in Kisumu and take part in celebrating the community's heritage while contributing to its future development. Launched in 0221, the annual event is meant to bring the Luo community together and s howcase their culture.