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2026
An annual event that aims to enhance ocean literacy by inspiring the next generation, spotlighting current fisheries practices, community livelihoods and sustainable alternatives.
OCTOBER
VOICES OF THE OCEAN
Our theme for 2026 will focus on highlighting individuals driving change along the coast, “Voices of the Ocean” will inspire conversations around environmental sustainability, food security, seasonal closures, and the preservation of valuable indigenous knowledge for future generations.
Bahari Yetu Festival
Watoto Day
An interactive day for children featuring games, art, performances, and hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Uvuvi Day
A community celebration bringing together fisherfolk, conservationists, scientists, and local leaders to share knowledge, discuss sustainable fisheries, and celebrate coastal livelihoods and culture.
Workshops
Storytelling Lab
A practical visual storytelling workshop equipping participants with photography skills to document marine environments, culture, and conservation action along the coast.
A hands-on training program supporting educators with tools, resources, and knowledge to integrate ocean conservation and climate awareness into
classroom learning.
Conservation Photography Workshop
Ocean Literacy Teach Training
A creative lab empowering young coastal storytellers to develop films and stories that amplify local voices, conservation challenges, and community resilience.
FUNDRAISING
Together we can bring the Bahari Yetu Festival 2026 to life!
Track our fundraising journey and join in by supporting today.
Bahari Yetu Festival
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10%
African Refocused Storytelling Lab
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Ocean Literacy Teacher Training
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Conservation Photography Workshop
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It takes a village to protect the ocean and we’d love you in ours!
Explore sponsorship packages or get in touch to partner with the festival.
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2025 FESTIVAL ~ HIFADHI BAHARI, HIFADHI MAISHA
The 2025 Bahari Yetu Festival brought together over 400 participants in Shela, Lamu, for a vibrant celebration of ocean conservation, culture, and community, based around the theme, Hifadhi Bahari, Hifadhi Maisha - Protect Our Ocean, Protect Lives. Building on the success of previous years, the festival adapted creatively to funding challenges by combining its two signature festival days into one dynamic event; creating an even more integrated experience where children, fisherfolk, conservation groups, artists, and community leaders could learn from and celebrate alongside one another. Also in its 4th year the festival was recognised as an Ocean Decade activity by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
In the spirit of Watoto Day, more than 310 students from across the Lamu Archipelago took part in ocean-themed games, recycled art competitions, dhow and model car races, sand sculpture challenges, performances, and environmental learning activities designed to strengthen ocean literacy and inspire the next generation of marine stewards. The festival also showcased the work of school environmental clubs, encouraging creativity while exploring themes such as marine ecosystem health, pollution, and conservation solutions.
At the heart of the festival was a powerful dialogue between traditional knowledge and modern conservation science. Fisherfolk, Beach Management Unit leaders, and community conservation champions shared experiences and insights on sustainable fisheries, marine resource management, and the importance of citizen science. These conversations highlighted the deep ecological knowledge held within coastal communities and reinforced the value of collaboration in protecting Kenya’s marine ecosystems for future generations. Involving children in Uvuvi Day also encouraged the sharing of culture heritage.
The festival also celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Kenyan coast through taarab music, traditional dances, storytelling, poetry, and community performances carrying messages of environmental stewardship. Together with local organizations and conservation partners, Bahari Yetu Festival 2025 continued to grow as a platform that connects conservation, education, culture, and community action around a shared vision for a healthy ocean future.
AN OCEAN DECADE ACTIVITY
Recognised as
MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Want to Support?
The festival is an annual eventl, if you want to become a partner and sponsor a certain aspect or workshop for 2026 please contact us.
We also have sponsorship packages to support the festival days.
