The 16th Lamu Cultural Festival has opened on Lamu island off the coast of northern Kenya, celebrating the region's rich and diverse traditions. European Union officials Hanina Ben Bernou, Olli Pirkannieami and Daniel Plas visited for the opening day (Thursday 10 November), and attended the EU-sponsored screening of the Kenyan film "Watutu". The award-winning film examines the anger and radicalisation of young people and the solutions that can unite them, and its screening was followed by a questions-and-answers session featuring the lead actor and co-director Ali Mlatso.

The festival runs until Sunday (13 November) and features dhow races, traditional dancing and music, poetry, food, arts and crafts.