Fifty thousand Muslim pilgrims are expected in Lamu town for the Maulidi celebrations marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed.
Cultural, sporting and religious activities have been lined up during the celebrations which start on Monday and run up to Friday when the pilgrims will converge at the Riyadha Mosque for a procession to the grave of fete founder Habib Swaleh.
The National Museums of Kenya has lined up a number of events which kick off with lectures at the Lamu Fort to be followed by bao games for men and henna painting and design for women.
Museums official Ahmed Yassin said other events sponsored by Celtel Kenya to the tune of Sh1.1 million included donkey and dhow races, swimming and tug of war.
“This is the first time we have a major sponsor. The cash prizes for will be much bigger,” he said.
Releasing the programme to the media, Dr Yassin confirmed that Heritage minister Suleiman Shakombo would open the Islamic calligraphic exhibition and ethnographic storage at the Lamu Fort.
At the Riyadha Mosque where the religious activities, including recitation of the Holy Quran, event organisers said there would be a free medical camp and traditional dances.
