The Italian government has intensified its engagements with Kenya through music and the arts. One of the latest initiatives was a special Italian musical concert, performed by Kenyan musicians, at the historic Gedi Ruins in Kilifi County.
The event, hosted by Italian Ambassador Roberto Natali and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, is part of a broader strategy to deepen the long-standing ties between the two nations. The concert follows the Italian Week of Cuisine, an event organized by the Italian Embassy to showcase Italy’s culinary heritage.
Speaking at the concert, Natali emphasized the importance of cultural collaborations in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. “Kilifi has had a strong presence of Italians for years, and we are reinforcing these ties through music. The unique aspect of this concert is that Kenyan musicians performed Italian classical pieces, which is a testament to the cultural appreciation between our two nations,” he said.
Governor Mung’aro highlighted the significance of such collaborations in revitalizing Kilifi’s tourism industry, which has suffered a decline in Italian visitors. “We lost many Italian tourists to Zanzibar, but with support from the national government, the county, and the Italian government, we are working hard to restore Kilifi’s position as a preferred destination,” he stated.
The Gedi Ruins, a Swahili-Arab settlement that was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as an iconic venue for the concert. The event not only honored Italy’s rich musical heritage but also celebrated Kenya’s growing expertise in classical music. Mung’aro noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and enhancing Kenya’s global appeal as a tourist destination.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya lauded the concert as a significant step in strengthening Kenya-Italy relations. “It is a privilege to interact with Italians who have lived here for decades and celebrate our shared cultural heritage. Events like these foster deeper friendships and mutual appreciation,” he said.
Baya further urged the National Museums of Kenya to lobby for the inclusion of the Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Museum, and Vasco da Gama Pillar as UNESCO Heritage Sites to boost cultural tourism in the region.
With Kilifi recording a rise in tourist numbers in December, local leaders remain optimistic that more cultural initiatives will contribute to the sector’s full recovery. The success of the Italian musical concert at the Gedi Ruins marks yet another milestone in Kenya and Italy’s enduring relationship, promising a future rich in cultural and economic collaboration.
