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Tana River County hosted the first Mangrove Canoe Polo Festival on July 12, 2025—teams played water polo from *mtumbwi* canoes amid mangrove roots. 12 teams competed; winners: * Miti Mirefu * (Tall Trees). KWS and KMFRI supported eco-routing. Polo isn’t just grass—it’s roots and teamwork, said organizer Evans Mwangi. The event boosted homestays by KSh 8 million. UNESCO is documenting it for cultural safeguarding. Annual festival confirmed.