Kenya Crane Festival Celebrates Ten Years

Kenya, Nandi County, September 23, 2025 – A local grassroots celebration of cranes has now grown into a national platform for education, cultural exchange, and conservation action. The festival is co-hosted by the International Crane Foundation, in collaboration with the County Government of Nandi, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

More than 1,500 people came together on the 19th and 20th September to celebrate the presence of the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane and raise awareness about the urgent need to safeguard this iconic bird and its wetland habitats.

This year’s festival marked a significant milestone for the festival, which was started more than 10 years ago by the Kipsaina Crane and Wetland Conservation Group.

The Grey Crowned Crane continues to face mounting threats that endanger its survival. Key challenges include habitat destruction caused by wetland invasion for agriculture and infrastructure development, as well as the harvesting of eggs and chicks for domestic pets or the illegal wildlife trade. The species is also vulnerable to poisoning—both intentional and accidental—using pesticides and herbicides. Adding to these pressures are the impacts of climate change, which is drying wetlands and disrupting breeding cycles, and the low awareness of the crane’s ecological and cultural importance. These combined threats underscore the urgent need for collaborative action to protect this iconic species and the fragile ecosystems it depends on.

The most recent national crane census (2023) estimated between 8,000–10,000 Grey Crowned Cranes in Kenya. Ongoing research and conservation efforts aim to strike a balance between protecting cranes and supporting community livelihoods.

“The Kenya Crane Festival is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. The crane’s dance is a dance of hope , and its call is a call for us to rise to our duty,” said, Dr. John ChumO, EBS, Secretary Conservation, State Department for Wildlife during the crane festival. “By coming together, we highlight not only the beauty of cranes but also the importance of collective action to secure their future.”

The festival kicked off on September 19th with an exciting volleyball tournament featuring 12 men’s and women’s teams drawn from communities living along Kingwal Wetland. Matches ran through play-offs and semi-finals, culminating in the grand finals on September 20th, witnessed by VIP guests, leaders, and the wider community.

International Crane Foundation photos

Day two was marked by vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances, poetry, skits, narrations, and a special showcase by Kalenjin elders. The day also featured a spirited grannies’ football tournament, a crowd-favorite International Crane Foundation staff vs. county officials football match, and lively community celebrations.

Distinguished guests in attendance included leaders from the State Department of Wildlife, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the County leadership of Nandi, who joined the community in reaffirming their commitment to crane conservation.

In Kenya, the International Crane Foundation works across eight counties, covering more than 50% of the country’s Grey Crowned Crane population. Key initiatives include:

• Restoring degraded wetlands and protecting natural springs
• Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture
• Partnering with large-scale farmers and fishing communities
• Equipping schools with clean water tanks
• Linking conservation efforts directly to community livelihoods

The festival underscores the Foundation’s mission to advance crane and ecosystem conservation, strengthen partnerships with government and communities, and inspire public engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Foundation will continue to work with government, partners and communities in Kenya in protecting the Grey Crowned Crane and the wetlands they call home.