At the Second Okiri Festival, held at the Kisumu Children’s Remand Home, we set out to challenge that narrative through art, empathy, and human connection. The theme, “Art as a Path of Belonging and Becoming,” underscored the power of creative expression to help young people reclaim agency over their identities and stories.
A Day of Joy, Expression, and Connection
The day began in a spirit of joy and inclusion, with games that brought together children, guests, and staff. Soon after, the children took the stage. They performed a poem and dance, inviting the audience into their world with words of expression.
Among the most memorable performances came from Bafrano, a local Kisumu-based artist picked up his guitar. In a spontaneous and moving moment, he invited both children and guests to sing with him, turning the performance into a collective song of solidarity. His music created a shared rhythm — one that reminded everyone in the space that healing can begin with a single chord.
Moments That Matter
The festival was not only about art, it was about connection. After a shared lunch lovingly prepared by some of the participant, guests were invited to sit down for conversations with the children. These moments were gentle, reflective, and real, a chance to listen without judgment, and speak without fear.
“I brought my younger brother to interact with the children at the remand because we are not only creating impact inside here, but also to the people outside.”
— Esther, Participant
Painting a Future Together, Starting a Legacy
One of the most profound moments of the day came as paint met wall. In a collaborative mural project, the youth, supported by local artists, created a visual story of resilience, identity, and hope. Guided by local artists Sejo and Movin, and supported by peers, the youth created a lasting visual story, one that will remain long after as what began as a plain concrete wall slowly transformed into a burst of color; hands, symbols, and scenes of transformation.
The mural now lives inside the remand home, a daily reminder that growth is possible, that stories can be rewritten, and that beauty can grow even in unlikely places.
Each brushstroke carried a message: that each child matters, that their story is not over, and that what they create today can reshape what they believe about tomorrow.
“I enjoyed painting the wall. My hand print on this wall says I was here and my story has changed.”
— Mike (not his real name), a boy at Kisumu Children’s Remand Home
Why It Matters
Okiri Festivals remind us what justice can look like when it is rooted in care and participation. It is about belonging. It is about giving young people a path to becoming more than what the world expects of them.
It is in these moments of music, conversation, paint, and poetry that we see what is possible when communities come together with empathy.
Special thanks to the children and management of Kisumu Children’s Remand Home, Dero Arts, Ravel Works Africa, The Rotaract Club of Kisumu Winam, Parenting With Purpose, Jijenge Youth Organization, Homeless of Kisumu, to our dedicated volunteers, artists, facilitators, and to everyone who made this festival possible.
Because these children deserve more than a second chance. They deserve to be seen.