Theme: “Back to the Roots”
Dates: 10–13 June 2025 | Venues: Riara University & Sk8City (Diamond Plaza 2)
This year’s Cultural Week at Riara University was more than a campus tradition, it was a powerful return to origin, heritage, and identity. Under the banner “Back to the Roots,” the four-day celebration immersed students, staff, alumni, and guests in a vibrant journey through dance, fashion, music, and storytelling, honoring the many cultures that make up the Riara family.
Thanks to the incredible support of our official sponsors, this year’s edition was bigger, bolder, and more dazzling than ever before.
Day 1 – Traditional Tuesday (10 June): Our Heritage, Our Pride
Kicking off with full cultural pride, Traditional Tuesday saw the Riara community dressed in their finest ethnic wear from kikoys and shukas to khangas and turbans. The Parade of Nations marched across campus in celebration of identity, heritage, and unity.
The “My Culture, My Pride” exhibition featured cultural displays, traditional music, artifacts, and stories that celebrated diversity while reinforcing the value of shared human roots.
Day 2 – Wild Wednesday (11 June): Bold Expression, Boundless Creativity
Wild Wednesday gave students the freedom to express themselves without limits. Dressed in bold patterns, tribal-fusion styles, and experimental accessories, the Riara community unleashed their inner artists.
An electrifying Creative Expression Showcase featured spoken word, graffiti art, original music, modern dance, and fashion mashups, all drawing inspiration from personal and cultural identity.
Day 3 – Retro Thursday (12 June): A Trip Down Memory Lane
Students rewound time on Retro Thursday, showing up in vintage glam afros, flared jeans, suspenders, chokers, and 90s swag. The vibe was nostalgic and joyful as campus buzzed with timeless hits and classic moves.
From old-school hip-hop to benga, disco to soul, the Retro Talent Showcase was a fun reminder that our past shapes our present in beautiful, rhythmic ways.
Day 4– Gala Night: Royal Roots (13 June): A Majestic Finish
The week ended in grand fashion at Sk8City, Diamond Plaza 2, where over 600 guests gathered for the Gala Night themed “Royal Roots.” Elegantly dressed students and guests arrived in Afro-regal ensembles ready for a night of music, elegance, and cultural pride.
Hosted by the energetic Tony Mwirigi, the evening featured a surprise performance by Luhya Heat (aka Charisma), who wowed the crowd with his hit “Sina Noma.” The Burundi Drummers delivered a breathtaking display of synchronized rhythm, dance, and acrobatics.
Riara Crowns Cultural Ambassadors at the 2025 Mr. & Miss Riara University Pageant
The climax of Riara University’s Cultural Week 2025 was the highly anticipated Mr. & Miss Riara University Pageant, held during the Gala Night on 13th June at Sk8City, Diamond Plaza 2. Themed “Royal Roots,” the evening was a glamorous celebration of identity, elegance, and cultural pride.
After a spirited competition showcasing cultural wear, dinner elegance, and personal expression, Ms. Nasra Khamis and Mr. Ballo Juma were crowned Miss and Mr. Riara University 2025, earning their place as the year’s royal cultural ambassadors.
The pageant also recognized outstanding participants in several special categories, celebrating not just beauty, but also creativity, personality, and cultural representation.
Cultural Week 2025 – Official Award Winners
Mr. Riara University 2025: Ballo Juma
Miss Riara University 2025: Nasra Khamis
First Runners-up
- Mr: Robert Baraka
- Miss: Kabale Tuye
Second Runners-up
- Mr: Japhet Mupe
- Miss: Maryclare Okech
People’s Choice Award
- Mr: Ballo Juma
- Miss: Kabale Tuye
Personality of the Year
- Male: Japhet Mupe
- Female: Nasra Khamis
Best Futuristic Attire
- Male: Ballo Juma
- Female: Kabale Tuye
African Royalty Look
- Male: Ballo Juma
- Female: Kabale Tuye
Best Dinner Wear
- Male: Robert Baraka
- Female: Nasra Khamis
Each of these accolades honored individuals who embodied the essence of the event’s theme “Back to the Roots” by showcasing their unique sense of style, cultural awareness, and confidence with grace and authenticity.
The pageant capped off a week of vibrant celebration and served as a reminder of the power of culture to inspire, connect, and uplift.
With Gratitude to Our Official Sponsors
Riara University extends heartfelt appreciation to all the official sponsors and partners who made Cultural Week 2025 a resounding success. Their generosity, creativity, and commitment to culture, youth empowerment, and innovation helped elevate this year’s festival to unforgettable heights.
From grooming and glam, to refreshments, transport, and event logistics, our sponsors brought every moment of “Back to the Roots” to life.
List of Sponsors for Cultural Week 2025
- KCB Bank
- ICEA Lion Group
- Indomie Kenya
- Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
- Uber Kenya
- Unilever – Vaseline
- Alltymes Tents & Events
- Honey & Butter – Mikalla Hair Products
- Bella Zuri Beauty Company
- Teshi Designs
- Johnnie Walker (by Diageo)
- Floral Culture
Your support not only contributed to the success of Cultural Week 2025, but also empowered hundreds of young people to celebrate their identities with pride, creativity, and cultural excellence. We are deeply grateful.
Back to the Roots – Forward with Purpose
Cultural Week 2025 wasn’t just a series of events, it was a celebration of identity, a revival of heritage, and a reminder of the roots that bind us. As we dance, learn, and grow together, Riara remains committed to nurturing a space where culture thrives and diversity is honored. We can’t wait to see what next year holds. One thing is certain, it will be even more unforgettable.
