Vihiga becomes first county set to compose county anthem, seeks public participation

The County Government of Vihiga is calling on residents to take part in a historic and culture-shaping initiative: the composition of the county’s first official anthem.

In a public notice issued by the Department of Gender, Culture, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Vihiga County has unveiled a five-day public participation schedule that will see residents across all sub-counties engaged in crafting a unique anthem that reflects the identity, unity, and aspirations of the county.

The forums will be held from June 30th to July 4th, 2025, and are open to all members of the public. Each sub-county will host its own engagement session starting at 9:00 a.m. at designated venues:

Sabatia – Ivona Friends Church (30th June)

Vihiga– Vihiga Friends Church (1st July)

Luanda – Ebusakami ACK Holy Trinity Church (2nd July)

Emuhaya – Ebukhooli ACK Church (African Interior Church) (3rd July)

Hamisi – Munzatsi Friends Church (4th July)

According to the notice, the forums are designed to be inclusive, bringing together diverse community voices to shape an anthem that truly represents Vihiga’s cultural fabric.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early for smooth facilitation.

This exercise is part of the implementation of the Vihiga County Flag and Other Symbols Act, 2014, which gives the county the mandate to establish official symbols that represent its heritage and values.

The County Symbols Selection Committee, domiciled under the Department of Gender, Culture, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, is spearheading the process.

In addition to the forums, a County Anthem Composition Call will be officially released on July 7th, 2025, inviting composers to submit their anthem entries.

Interested individuals or groups can submit both hard and soft copies of their compositions between July 7th and July 30th, 2025.

Submissions should be addressed to:
The Chairperson,
Vihiga County Symbols Selection Panel,
P.O. BOX 344–50300,
Maragoli.

Hard copies can be dropped at the Governor’s Office in Mbale, while soft copies can be emailed to: [email protected]

For further details, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s official website at www.vihiga.go.ke