Nakuru: Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON), Ababu Namwamba, has urged Kenyans to embrace traditional festivals as vital platforms for cultural rejuvenation and preservation. Namwamba emphasized the role these cultural events play in preserving traditions, strengthening social bonds, and empowering future generations. He expressed concern over the neglect and erosion of Kenyan cultural heritage over the years.
According to Kenya News Agency, Namwamba highlighted the diversity within Kenya, a nation home to over 40 distinct ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural practices, beliefs, and values. He noted that many communities have struggled to retain their traditions amid the rapid pace of modernization. Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural Mulembe Cultural Festival, Namwamba underscored that Kenya's cultural diversity is a unique strength and attraction, urging the nation to harness it.
The Mulembe Cultural Festival, held at the Nakuru Athletics Club, showcased a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances like Esikuti and Lipala, music, storytelling, crafts, and cuisine, offering attendees an immersive experience of Luhya culture. Cultural artifacts, traditional dress, and medicine were displayed, while traditional foods such as tsisaka, tsiswa, and ingokho were served. Namwamba announced that the cultural extravaganza would become an annual event to preserve the cultural heritage of the Luhya subtribes both within Kenya and the diaspora.
In his remarks, former Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa urged county governments to support cultural initiatives and recognize the contributions of those preserving cultural heritage. Wamalwa emphasized that cultural festivals are crucial for protecting traditions from the influence of Western culture. He stated that Kenya's rich ethnic diversity could be leveraged to foster unity and bridge divides through music, dance, food, and fashion.
Nakuru County's Chief Officer for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Social Services, Josephine Achieng, reiterated the county's commitment to inclusivity and cultural integration, ensuring equal opportunities for all communities. She emphasized the economic potential of cultural festivals, noting their ability to boost tourism and create business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Achieng also highlighted the importance of addressing harmful cultural practices, such as Gender-Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), urging collective responsibility to eliminate them. By promoting cultural festivals, Kenya can encourage tourism that respects both cultural and environmental sustainability.