Digo Cultural Festival postponed after dispute with KICC over venue fees

The organisers of the much-awaited Digo Cultural Festival have postponed the event after a disagreement with the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) over revised venue charges.

Digos in Nairobi and Environs chair Mr Athman Hoka said the team had no choice, but to halt the preparations after KICC allegedly declined to honour the initial agreement for Tsavo Hall.

According to the organisers, the group returned to KICC on Wednesday to clear the remaining balance for the hall, only to be informed that the earlier negotiated amount had tripled.

The KICC management is said to have claimed that the officer who handled the initial agreement was away on sick leave.

Ms Moonira Chidzuga, one of the organisers and owner of Nana Events, said the sudden shift left them stranded.

“We had an agreement. We paid a down-payment on August 19 and expected to clear the balance before November 21. To our surprise, we were asked to pay triple the initial amount,” she said.

The team reportedly reached out to the Digo community spokesperson, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who is also a member of the Digos in Nairobi, but KICC officers allegedly declined to give him audience.

“They were not willing to listen. We were left with no option but to postpone the event and strategise,” Ms Chidzuga said.

Mr Hoka apologised to exhibitors, partners, and attendees--including those who had already travelled to Nairobi for the festival.

“I want to sincerely apologise to all our partners, exhibitors and everyone who paid for this event. I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” he said.

The festival was designed to celebrate the rich heritage of the Digo community and offer a platform for talented youths to showcase their products and skills.

The Digo people are predominantly found in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties in Kenya, with a significant population also in Tanzania’s Tanga region.

Organisers noted that part of the festival’s mission was to support youth who had abandoned crime in Kwale by connecting them with opportunities and ready markets.

With the postponement, the community will now determine a new date and a more affordable venue.

“We want the Digo Cultural Festival to be an annual event. As we thank our leaders for their full support, we call upon corporates and other partners to continue standing with us and the cause,” Mr Hoka said.

He encouraged those still interested in attending the festival to continue sending their entrance fee--Sh1,500 (regular) and Sh5,000 (VIP)--to Paybill Number 8030310, Account: Your name.