Kenya is among the selected few countries to participate in the 2014 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the United States.

The even, which happens June 25 to July 6  at the National Mall, Washington, DC, will give Keny the opportunity to showcase its tourism potential and cultures. The outdoor event will also highlight diverse cultures and food, coming at a time when tourism numbers in Kenya have been dropping due to terror attacks.

“The concession for catering Kenya’s food and beverage at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival was awarded to Swahili Village, which offers rich tradition of ethnic world-class African cuisines now renowned in the US capital,” reports Standard.

“Swahili Village Restaurant is currently officially contracted to serve the East and Central African diplomatic missions based in the Washington DC area,” said Swahili Village Restaurant owner Kevin Onyona.

The festival is expected to attract more than 1.5 million participants from the Diaspora and the international community spread across the US.

The centerpiece of Kenya´s exhibit at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a 20-ton carving with a theme of  “hands-off our elephants” by renowned Kenyan sculptor Elkana Ong’esa. The carving hopes to bring  to the attention of the world the problem of poaching in the country.  And various activities will be presided over by President Kenyatta, among other dignitaries that will be present at the festival.