Kizimkazi Festival Postponed: Development Projects Delay Annual Event
The much-anticipated Kizimkazi Festival has been postponed this year due to the absence of development projects originally scheduled for inauguration during the event, organizers announced.
Originally planned for eight days from July 19 to 26 at the Sports Academy grounds in Kizimkazi, the 10th edition of the festival has now been pushed to next year. The festival’s primary purpose is to promote community development through launching new projects.
“This year, we unfortunately do not have any development projects ready for inauguration, so we’ve had to postpone the festival until further notice, likely next year,” festival leadership stated.
Since its inception in 2015 as a local ward-level event, the Kizimkazi Festival has grown to national prominence, serving as a critical platform for launching key community projects including schools, health centres, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The 2025 edition had been meticulously planned around seven key sectors: fisheries, agriculture, livestock, tourism, education, water, and children’s recreation facilities, with a focus on empowering residents and boosting local businesses.
Beyond development, the festival aims to unite the community, preserve local traditions, and showcase regional investment opportunities. Its postponement represents a significant setback for sponsors, organizers, and residents who rely on the event for economic opportunities and entertainment.
Incomplete projects include a modern football pitch, children’s recreational park, water supply infrastructure, and new local administrative offices. Local traders and community leaders expressed disappointment, with the ward leader noting that many had already invested resources in preparation for the festival.