EMBRACE CULTURE TO WEAVE A COHESIVE SOCIETY – PS UMMI BASHIR

The critical role played by culture and music in enhancing Cohesion, Integration and Peace in the country was on Saturday emphasized by the Principal Secretary State Department for Culture and Heritage Ummi Bashir during the official opening ceremony of the 96th edition of the National Kenya Music and Cultural Festivals at Wote Technical Training Institute in Makueni County.

In her speech, the PS stated that culture is the foundation of a nation’s backbone that has the capability of imparting the required values to future generations.

She noted that the youth are displaying great performances at the ongoing festivals, a clear demonstration that the older generation is passing the requisite knowledge and skills to the young people; an element that will ensure culture is not eroded.

The PS assured the National Government’s support to the Devolved Governments’ in promoting and safeguarding culture and other artistic performances, through the State Departments for Culture and Creative Industry.

Makueni County Governor H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr appreciated and welcomed all the participants to Makueni County and implored the PS to safeguard the National heritages.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Executive Committee Chairperson Prof. Emily Akuno, the Director State Department for Culture Dr Kiprop Lang’at, Kakamega County Deputy Director of Administration Mr Cyril Mululu and the Ag. Director of Culture Ms Gaudencia Otipa among other notable guests. Kakamega County, has won the national trophy nine times and will be looking forward to replicate the same class during this year’s festivals.

This year’s theme is “Our Culture Towards National Cohesion, Integration and Peace.”