Kilifi Governor Celebrates Local Talent at Inaugural Rising Stars Festival in Malindi

By Feddy Madebe

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro joined thousands of residents from across the county in Malindi to ring in the New Year while celebrating the region’s artistic excellence during the inaugural Kilifi Rising Stars event.

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The festive gathering, which drew massive crowds to the coastal town, served a dual purpose of marking the beginning of 2026 and showcasing the exceptional creative abilities present within the county’s borders.

Speaking at the event, Governor Mung’aro emphasized that the celebration transcended typical New Year festivities, representing a significant moment of recognition for local artists and performers.

“The occasion provided us an opportunity to honor and acknowledge the remarkable creativity and untapped potential that exists among our people,” the Governor noted.

The Kilifi Rising Stars initiative has successfully highlighted the depth of artistic talent distributed throughout the county’s various constituencies, according to county officials.

Governor Mung’aro extended his appreciation to all individuals who participated in the competition, particularly commending those who stepped forward during the audition phase.

The county chief offered special recognition to the competition’s finalists and the three winners of the maiden edition: Chris Ziro, performing under the stage name Macoroma, alongside Sifa Alex and Alfred Baraka.

The Governor characterized the event as an initial step in a broader county strategy aimed at discovering, developing, and providing resources for homegrown talent.

“This marks the commencement of our mission to identify, cultivate, and champion local artists and performers,” Mung’aro stated.

In his New Year message, the Governor expressed gratitude to residents for their overwhelming turnout and support of locally-based talent, while extending wishes for prosperity in the coming year.

The successful launch of Kilifi Rising Stars signals the county government’s commitment to investing in the creative economy and providing platforms for artists to showcase their abilities.

Local entertainment industry observers view the initiative as a positive development that could open doors for talented individuals who previously lacked exposure and professional opportunities.

The event’s strong public reception suggests significant community appetite for locally-produced entertainment and cultural programming in the coastal region.