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.
