Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba has promised to establish a grant cultural center at Sang'alo in Bungoma County to support Luhya cultural heritage. .
Speaking over the weekend during the Bukusu festival, Namwamba said culture is what identifies our characters, adding that cultural beliefs of communities should be preserved.
He says that his ministry has embarked on improving the culture of the Luhya community noting Luhya’s have beautiful cultural heritage.
“In Bungoma, there is a huge piece of land that was set aside to develop a cultural center. I’m announcing that the Kenya Cultural center will work with the Bungoma County government to develop a grant cultural center,” Namwamba said.
He added, "I have only come here to confirm that my ministry will support all cultural activities this region”.
Mamwamba maintained that there are so many things about the Luhya culture to showcase to the world citing the amazing and lovely Luhya music.
Namwamba cited a Luhya hit song ‘Vaida” that has been heard across the country and the world that people enjoy listening to.
“The Luhya music is so beautiful, it is special with a good message,” he said, adding that the Luhya artists will be supported to beef up their talents.
“Today the biggest hit across the Country that has also gone International is a great Luhya hit ‘Vaida’, when people hear that hit they go wild and that is the sweetness in it,” he said.
Namwamba also affirmed that the government has come up with the Talanta Hela initiative to ensure that Kenyan artists are supported to earn and live a decent life.
To support sporting activities in Bungoma, CS Namwamba said that his ministry will partner with governor Lusaka’s administration to develop Mt Elgon high altitude center into an academy that will help in training different kinds of sporting activities.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on his part urged residents to uphold culture as a tool of cultivating morality in the society.
"Culture is everything, our heritage binds us to our roots, it instills discipline and morality. Let us pride ourselves in it, for the sake of our future generations,” he said.
Lusaka acknowledged the vital role of the cultural values in molding community standards.
"We are a product of the good values from our rich culture,” Lusaka said.
"I want to appreciate our local artists and the entire arts for the great support. My administration is keen on nurturing and cultivating talents across the county,” Lusaka added.
The Bukusu cultural center at Kamukunywa in Kimilili Constituency was started by Professor Bonaventure Kerre who says that he developed the place to uphold the Bukusu cultural heritage.
“This center offers our people an avenue to come learn about their own culture,” Kerre said.
Kerre added that the place has traditional foodstuffs and accommodation.
Also present at the festivals was Kenya Cultural center CEO Michael Pundo, former UN secretary general trade and development Mikhisa Kituyi, former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli among others.
