Thousands of residents and visitors have gathered at the Mama Ngina Waterfront for the third annual Firi Cultural Festival and Business Expo, where the Somali community proudly showcases its rich cultural heritage.
Ahmed Mohamed, the event’s organizer, explained the significance of hosting the two-day festival in Mombasa, a city renowned for its cultural diversity and role as a gateway to East Africa.
“The Firi Festival and Business Expo aim to share Somali culture with the rest of Kenya. Our community has a strong presence in enterprise within Kenya and beyond. Our diversity is our strength,” said Mohamed.
He emphasized that the event seeks to foster coexistence and harmony in Mombasa’s cosmopolitan environment.
“There is often fear of the unknown. Many people are unfamiliar with Somali culture and only associate us with negative stereotypes. This festival is an opportunity to demystify those misconceptions and highlight the richness of Somali traditions,” he added.
Mombasa County Commissioner (CC) Mohamed Nur commended the festival for promoting cultural understanding and noted the county’s ability to host a wide range of activities, including the East African Community Parliamentary Games, conferences, and festivals.
“Mombasa has remained secure, and we continue to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of all visitors. We’ve deployed officers across hotels, beaches, and streets to ensure everyone enjoys their stay and returns home safely,” Nur assured attendees, urging cooperation between residents and the police to maintain peace.
Jabril Abdulle, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Kenya, praised the festival’s fusion of culture and entrepreneurship.
“This platform is essential for presenting Somali culture and cuisine to Kenyans. Mombasa is known for its integration of diverse cultures, and this event reflects that spirit beautifully,” said Abdulle.
He expressed delight at the active participation of young people and encouraged spreading the festival to other counties to allow more Kenyans to experience Somali culture.
“Kenya’s diversity is a strength, and learning from one another enriches us all. This festival provides an avenue to understand Somali culture better, from our rich traditions to our entrepreneurial spirit, which is recognized globally,” Abdulle stated.
The ambassador also highlighted the importance of Somalia’s entry into the East African Community (EAC) bloc, emphasizing its potential to collectively empower the region’s people.
He urged young people to embrace their cultural heritage and take bold steps into entrepreneurship.
Abdul Bahaj, Chairman of the Mombasa Somali Association, noted the festival’s overarching goal of uniting Somali people from various regions, including those from Kenya’s North Eastern region living and working in Mombasa.
“Somalis are globally renowned as astute businesspeople. We also have plans to construct hospitals and schools to support the less fortunate within our community,” Bahaj said.
The festival serves as a celebration of Somali culture and a bridge to foster unity and mutual understanding, reflecting Mombasa’s unique position as a cultural melting pot.
