Communities across Kenya have been encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage and maintain the richness of their values and traditions.
Preserving the national cultural diversity fosters a sense of belonging and plays a crucial role in the lives and history of the society, influencing values while passing them on to posterity.
The call was made during the first Cultural Day at the Michuki National Polytechnic (MInaP) in Kangema, Murang’a County, marked under the theme ‘celebrating heritage, creating tomorrow via technology, art, talent and culture’.
Speaking during the event, Mr Henry Kihara, the Deputy Principal, noted that by showcasing the diversity of cultures amongst the students, they aim at emphasising and fostering national integration, unity and harmony.
“We are showcasing and reflecting those cultures through traditional performances in traditional dances, drama, dances, African cuisine and hospitality skills,” he said.
“That way we encourage our students not to abandon their culture and to respect other people’s cultures but should be able to uphold them and pass the knowledge down to future generations.”
Mr Kihara urged communities to abandon the retrogressive cultures, including Female Genital Mutilation, early forced marriages and cattle rustling, among others, that have continued to cripple the development and wellbeing of some societies in the country.
He also urged students to strive and use technology and online platforms to enhance their cultural heritage and create a rich history for generations to come.
During the culture-rich ceremony, participants from over ten communities showcased a vibrant array of cultural practices, highlighting the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.
Notably, a delightful array of traditional foods showcased during the event offered a taste of Kenya’s culinary diversity from ten communities, including the Maasai community, the Luhya community, the Luo community, the Kisii, Embu, Meru, Kamba, the coastal communities, the Kalenjin and the Kikuyu traditional culture.
The attendees were treated to an educative and entertaining traditional performance that celebrated the unique rhythms and movements of various cultural groups, educating them about the significance of these cultural practices.
MInaP President, Edward Kalibo, observed that by celebrating heritage through arts and culture, the students are reminded of their own culture and will be able to uphold it even as they continue with their studies.
He noted that throughout the cultural week, students in talent areas such as modern rap, stand-up comedy, fine arts, poetry, public speaking, modelling, spoken word, skits, among other areas, had been identified through arts and their skills, which will help them understand how they can maximise the skills and even monetise them as they continue with their studies.
Samuel Gichuki, the dean of students, urged the students to strive not to forget their culture and the significance of the traditional practices in their communities.
He cautioned the youth against the allure of modern and digital practices that could lead to a disconnection from their roots and instead encouraged them to celebrate and actively participate in their cultural practices.
Ngure Kamau, the registrar, noted that the school embraces all cultures across the country, as it also hosts students from all communities.
“Using technology, the youth can earn through our culture while also upholding our traditional practices for posterity,” he noted.
One of the participants, Nancy Namoni from the Masaai community, highlighted how her cultural practices have shaped her identity and her peers in school, reinforcing the idea that cultural heritage is not just a relic of the past, but a living, evolving part of their lives.
She emphasised that Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, including the Masai Mara ecosystem, has long been a major attraction for tourists, and that maintaining the cultural richness is essential, not only for promoting tourism but also for fostering a sense of national pride.
By Florence Kinyua
