Kennington is set to mark a historic milestone this weekend by formalising its twinning link with Musanda, a village in Kenya, an event believed to be the first instance of a village in Oxfordshire twinning with one in Kenya. The official ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, will begin at the Kennington Village Centre from 10 am, with a cultural programme that reflects a vibrant exchange between the two communities.

The day’s events include children from Kennington participating in a mural art activity designed by renowned Oxford artist Korky Paul, who himself was born in Africa. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Kennington Silver Band, setting a celebratory tone before a pivotal moment at 10:30 am when a Zoom connection will link Kennington with Musanda. This virtual meeting will facilitate a series of cultural exchanges such as greetings from village leaders, performances from local choirs, and interactions between scouts and library staff, firmly establishing a bridge of communication across continents. Later, attendees will move to St Swithun’s Church for a tree-planting ceremony symbolising the new partnership.

This twinning initiative is the culmination of over a decade of collaborative efforts largely inspired by the work of the Nasio Trust, which operates in Musanda. Sylvia Vetta, a key figure behind the project, previously interviewed Nancy Mudenyo Hunt, founder of the Nasio Trust, highlighting the charity’s role in supporting Musanda’s development. Thanks to fundraising efforts in Kennington, a spirulina factory was established in the Kenyan village to produce a nutrient-rich food supplement. Further projects include the joint creation of the first library/resource centre in west Kenya, which is linked with Kennington Library, facilitating ongoing educational and cultural exchanges.

The partnership has already fostered creative ventures, such as the collaborative children’s book "Cosmic Cats," which features work from children in both villages and has gained regional media attention. The book underscores the shared commitment to cultural appreciation and education, amplified by online events connecting the two communities.

According to the Nasio Trust, this twinning is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a practical commitment to global unity and cultural appreciation. Fundraising efforts continue to support the installation of twinning signs and commemorative plaques at both villages, with the project receiving backing from Kennington Parish Council, local community leaders including Reverend Samson Kuponiyi, and of course, the broader Kennington residents.

Musanda, located in Kakamega County, is a rural village benefiting from the support of the Nasio Trust, which focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and income-generating opportunities. Volunteers have the chance to engage in meaningful work ranging from healthcare and agricultural projects to women’s empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering financial independence for local women. This comprehensive support framework embodies a sustainable model for community-driven development in a region where poverty is a significant challenge.

The significance of this twinning goes beyond philanthropy; it embodies a sustained relationship fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and shared learning—a sentiment reflected in the exchanges of gifts and messages during prior visits, and the ongoing pen-pal relationships between scouts from the two villages. The initiative highlights how grassroots efforts can transcend geographical distances, building enduring bonds that promise mutual enrichment for generations.

This event will place Kennington firmly on the map as a pioneer within Oxfordshire for such international village twinning, showcasing the power of community-driven projects to foster long-term international friendships and cultural understanding.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services