Nairobi: In a bid to bolster cultural development, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo yesterday convened a consultative meeting with cultural elders from the Tiriki and Terik communities. The meeting, held at the county headquarters, focused on key cultural development initiatives aimed at empowering local communities and safeguarding traditional practices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the discussions centered around supporting and funding the Tiriki and Terik traditional circumcision festivals and strengthening cultural festivals at sub-county levels to boost cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Additionally, there was a proposal for constructing a cultural center for the Terik community, equipping and operationalizing Shiru Cultural and Shamakhokho Resource Centres, and documenting and digitizing cultural heritage assets from both communities.
The governor was also requested to support the Lutirichi Book Writing Initiative, which aims to preserve oral literature and historical narratives. Governor Ottichilo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to promoting cultural diversity as a pillar of development, noting that safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems is vital for community identity and cohesion.
"We are proud of the rich traditions of the Tiriki and Terik people. As a county, we are determined to ensure their cultural assets are not only preserved but also harnessed for education and tourism purposes," said Dr. Ottichilo. He also emphasized the need for structured support for cultural institutions and resource centers to enable meaningful participation of youth in traditional knowledge systems.
Notable elders present at the meeting included John Bor, Morris Ingati, and Wycliffe Sakwa Mmaitsi, who lauded the county government's efforts and pledged continued collaboration in realizing the cultural development agenda.