Lupita's homecoming

Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o will arrive in Kenya in a week’s time to conduct a homecoming tour that includes activities that aim to uplift the Kenyan arts community as well as raise awareness on conservancy efforts in the country.

While in the country, Ms. Nyong’o will participate in a number of initiatives including an immersive mentorship session with young Kenyan students and artists on June 30th, where she will discuss her acting career and provide tips on how to succeed in the arts.  

Ms. Nyong’o will also take part in a Gala Dinner on July 2nd where she will be the chief guest at an evening event that aims to fête the arts and fashion community in Kenya.

During her tour, Ms. Nyong’o will also take part in a number of conservancy projects aimed at boosting the country’s capacity to manage its elephant population, with a view to working closely with communities to ensure that the sale of ivory is eradicated to protect the animals.

“Our country's elephants are a critical piece of the heart of Kenya and we need to take action now to save their population from the threats that continue to endanger their existence,” said Lupita Nyong’o.

Ms. Nyong’o, who will be in the country starting June 29th, will partner with WildAid, whose mission is to end the sale of illegal wildlife artifacts such as elephant tusks or rhino horn.

While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products by persuading consumers and strengthening enforcement.

With an unrivalled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors and global network of media partners, WildAid leverages nearly $200 million in annual pro-bono media support.

“I am delighted to be returning home, especially with the added honor of being able to use this opportunity to help shine a global light on Kenya's conservancy efforts,” said Ms. Nyong’o.

Ms. Nyong’o’s homecoming tour is being supported by a number of local brands including Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Simba Colt Motors, African Heritage, Villa Rosa Kempinski and luxury bag manufacturer Lulea.

As a globally recognised actress, Ms. Nyong’o has received an array of accolades including an Academy Award for her role in ‘12 Years A Slave’, which also garnered her  Critics' Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards as well as a Golden Globe nomination.

Ms. Nyong’o is widely regarded as a fashion icon as well, having appeared on the cover of many international magazines including Vogue US. She is one of the faces of Lancome.

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