Kisumu, Kenya| In a groundbreaking display of adrenaline and innovation, Kisumu transformed its bustling Central Business District into a pulsating motorsport arena on December 27, 2025, hosting the city’s inaugural drift show.
Thousands of enthusiastic residents and visitors packed the streets around Central Square, cheering as skilled drivers executed breathtaking precision maneuvers, filling the air with the screech of tires and clouds of smoke.
This high-octane spectacle formed a highlight of the annual Kisumu End of Year Festival, marking the official debut of organized urban drifting in the lakeside city.
Traditionally celebrated for its serene Lake Victoria vistas, hippo cruises, and vibrant cultural heritage, Kisumu is now accelerating toward a bolder tourism identity—one that embraces experiential and adventure-driven attractions.
The event emerged from a strategic collaboration between the City of Kisumu, the County Department of Trade and Tourism, and Al-Husnain Motors, a prominent dealership known for its passion for automotive excellence.
Professional drivers from the Krama East Africa Drifter Team headlined the show, showcasing synchronized slides, close-proximity stunts, and controlled oversteer that left spectators in awe.
For many in the crowd, it was their first encounter with drifting—a motorsport discipline where drivers intentionally break rear-wheel traction while maintaining flawless control through corners, blending raw power with artistic precision.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism, Farida Salim, hailed the event as a resounding success that shattered initial skepticism.
“When we first discussed bringing drifting to Kisumu, there was considerable uncertainty—venturing into uncharted territory always invites doubt,” she reflected. “Yet the sheer excitement radiating from the crowds proved that our residents crave these fresh experiences.”
Salim emphasized how the overwhelming turnout reflected a surging demand for sports and entertainment tourism, positioning Kisumu as an emerging regional hub for festivals, motorsport events, and dynamic urban adventures.
Looking ahead, the county is committed to elevating this debut into a signature annual tradition.
Plans include forging deeper private-sector partnerships to expand the event’s scale and sophistication. “We envision this drift show evolving into a full-fledged festival, drawing visitors from across East Africa and beyond,” Salim added.
She positioned it as a vital addition to Kisumu’s evolving tourism portfolio, which is deliberately shifting beyond conventional lake-based offerings.
This diversification strategy is already gaining momentum. Recent initiatives include the introduction of “tree therapy” experiences in Seme Sub-county, promoting wellness through immersive forest interactions.
Salim also revealed ambitious explorations into extreme adventures, such as skydiving, inspired by successful models in coastal destinations like Diani.
“By benchmarking best practices, we’re determined to unlock Kisumu’s full potential as a multifaceted tourism gem,” she stated, urging media stakeholders to amplify these emerging attractions.
From the drivers’ perspective, the event served a dual purpose: introducing motorsport culture to a new audience while spotlighting Kisumu’s urban vitality. Jim Lu (also referred to as Jin Lu in some reports) from the Krama East Africa Drifter Team expressed delight at the response.
“Many here were witnessing drifting live for the first time, and their energy was infectious,” he shared. “We’re not just performing stunts—we’re demonstrating the thrill of the sport and highlighting what makes Kisumu such an exciting, modern destination.”
As the sun set over the transformed CBD, leaving behind tire marks as testament to the day’s exhilaration, one thing became clear: Kisumu has revved into a new era.
This pioneering drift show not only entertained but also signaled the city’s bold ambition to redefine itself as Kenya’s premier hub for lifestyle tourism, blending natural beauty with heart-pounding urban excitement.
For travelers seeking more than scenic views, Kisumu is now firmly on the map as a must-visit for adrenaline-fueled experiences.
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