Taptengelei Festival kicks off with traditional food, dance and cultural displays
Rift Valley
By
Edward Kosut
| Jan 17, 2026
The Taptengelei cultural festival has officially kicked off at Kapseon Primary School in Tinderet, in Nandi County.
The mountain trails component of the Magical Kenya ‘Mountain and Trail Series’ kicked off the three-day series on Friday, setting the stage for an action-packed, thrilling festival that includes the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run, a premier mountain running event that's an action-packed encounter.
The festival aims to showcase the rich heritage of the Kalenjin community with traditional food, music, dance, and cultural displays, alongside demonstrations of indigenous medicine and farming techniques.
READ MORE
Kenya banks on partnerships to get sea-time opportunities for cadets
State rolls out AI Incubator for local innovators
New bid to tackle food losses for supermarkets, restaurants
IMF lifts 2026 global growth forecast but flags AI, trade risks
Lamu pipeline ties KPC's growth to complex oil export plan
Investment group commits Sh2b for new industrial real estate investment trust
Mpeketoni cotton ginnery nears completion as youth return to farming in Lamu
How Kenya outwitted US, China to clinch dual trade deals
Kenya Re to lock out politicians in new board shake-up rules
Speaking during the launch, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said from high-altitude trail running to mindful forest immersion, the country is positioning its wild spaces as the ultimate centres for physical and mental rejuvenation.
“Kenya is more than a destination; it is a space to slow down. We are moving beyond traditional sightseeing to offer transformative travel. By opening up the Tinderet forest and the lush hills of Nandi, we are providing a sanctuary where the air is crisp, the landscape is expansive, and the spirit finds rest,” said Miano.
The CS said the ongoing development of nature trails in Nandi County is a cornerstone of Kenya’s new Wellness Savannah strategy.
“Kenya’s wilderness has always been a place of wonder, but in Nandi County, it is a place of renewal, the source of Champions,” she said, adding, “Our nature trails are designed to be more than paths, they are the green corridors for forest bathing in our indigenous Tinderet canopy, natural sound therapy by the Tereno Waterfalls and active rejuvenation in the Home of Champions.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series is a unique celebration of Kenya's cultural heritage, outdoor adventure, and community spirit, making it among the critical projects in the tourism and wildlife sector, which are designed to increase tourism revenue to Sh1 trillion.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa and Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly were among the leaders present.