Blankets & Wine Addresses Court Case Rumours as It Marks 16 Years and Prepares for Kenyan Summer 2025

Blankets & Wine has clarified that it has not received any legal summons or formal communication regarding reports circulating in the media alleging that a complaint had been filed with the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) following its September edition. Speaking during a stakeholder briefing held ahead of the festival’s 17th anniversary season, Creative Director Muthoni Ndonga(also known as Muthoni Drummer Queen) said the organisation first became aware of the alleged complaint through media reports. “We have officially not received any legal summons. We learned of this information through the media. Should we receive any notice from the Authority, we will follow due process,” said the Creative Director. “Our festival is about mission. We are here to build the arts and culture ecosystem, and that continues to be our focus.” The update was shared during a panel conversation with long-standing stakeholders, partners and members of Kenya’s creative community as part of a retrospective discussion on the festival’s 16-year journey; its early Hillcrest editions through Mamba Village, Carnivore and Kasarani. The session brought together the leadership team — Head of Festivals Justine Mbugua, Brand Manager Michelle Njeri, and Communications Manager Diane Ywaya who reflected on Blankets & Wine’s evolution from its early days hosting emerging acts like Sauti Sol and H_art the Band, to its current multi-stage format and year-round cultural programming. Mbugua highlighted the realities of building large-scale cultural events within limited local infrastructure and noted that learnings from the September edition prompted a comprehensive internal audit. “Kenyan venues are a blank slate. We are still creating a space where music and community thrive,” said the Head of Festivals. “We have come a long way in 16 years, but we still have a way to go. We thank Kenyans for standing with us and look forward to co-creating the future with them as we turn 17.” In an earlier communication shared with attendees on October 9, the festival acknowledged delays in bar service, mobile- money congestion, VIP layout challenges and sound-coverage inconsistencies experienced during the September edition. According to the statement, these issues were linked to network strain, bottlenecks in redundancy activation, and sound distribution gaps on the live stage. Since then, the festival has initiated multiple corrective measures ahead of the December Kenyan Summer 2025 edition, set to take place on December 21 at Laureate Gardens, Kasarani. Enhancements include strengthened payment systems, expanded cash and card options at select bars, re-planned VIP layout, onboarding a dedicated hospitality manager, upgraded sound distribution, and a new on-site water and soft-drink distribution model through beverage partners. “After sixteen years of learning and growth, our aim is not simply to return, but to raise the bar,” said Creative Director Muthoni. “Blankets & Wine has always been about community, culture and creative expression — for Kenyan Summer 2025, we are ensuring the infrastructure reflects that ambition.” Blankets & Wine also reiterated its longstanding role in Kenya’s creative economy. Across 16 years, the festival has hosted some of East Africa’s most recognisable artists in their early careers, provided market access for local vendors, and served as a consistent platform for emerging talent, independent creators and cultural expression. “This milestone is ours a shared celebration with everyone who has danced, performed and partnered with us,” added Creative Director Muthoni. “We move forward wiser, stronger and grateful for the community that keeps building this festival with us.” As it prepares for its 17th year and the Kenyan Summer 2025 edition, the festival emphasised its commitment to continuous improvement, transparency and collaboration with partners, regulators and audiences.