Kisumu Launches Luo Oral Poetry Slam at School Games to Preserve Culture

Kisumu County integrated *Dudu* (Luo oral poetry) into the 2025 Western Kenya School Games on June 12, 2025—hosting a competitive slam where students composed and performed verses on sport, peace, and environment. Over 1,200 pupils participated; 16-year-old Atieno Akoth (Nyakach) won with a piece on girls in football. Poetry is our GPS—guiding values across generations, said elder Opiyo Wa’ng’ayo. Judges included poets from *Kwani?* Trust. The county will publish an anthology and include *Dudu* in KCSE co-curricular marks. UNESCO is reviewing it for intangible heritage documentation.