Some Kaya elders in Kwale County want the government to hire them in schools to spearhead cultural and traditional education in learning institutions.
The Kaya elders led by Samson Beja Chuphi said that the move would help instill discipline and reduce insecurity and drug use among youth who also engage in criminal activities.
Chuphi lamented that neglect of culture by community members has had great repercussions on the younger generation and has given rise to many social vices.
"Cultures and traditions used to guide us and teach our children about good values. Unfortunately, people changed and adopted foreign cultures, causing more harm," he said.
He said children engage in early sexual activities resulting in teen pregnancies because of erosion of cultural value.
The kaya elder stated that culture played an important role in uniting people because it served as a law.
He said that the community used to follow them and refrain from doing things that did not conform to their way of life.
Chuphi admitted that there were bad cultures that undermined equality, but elders weeded them out and remained with the good ones.
He said the children must learn different cultures and traditions to promote tolerance and unity.
Chuphi said it is unfortunate that most young people don't know their origin.
He said children grow up clueless about their cultures and traditions and those of other communities.
The old man said that incorporating cultural education into schools would help children understand various cultures while also dispelling myths and misconceptions about them.
He said that the youth normally kill the elderly on allegations of witchcraft for lacking knowledge of cultures and traditions.
Chuphi said educating children about traditions at a young age will help them develop good mental health and expand their understanding of Kayas and their functions.
Chairperson of the Kwale County Assembly Committee on Culture, Sports, Gender and Community Affairs Elizabeth Mwangolo said there is a need to preserve good cultures and traditions to promote socioeconomic development.
She said cultures bring unity and enhance social cohesion.
Mwangolo said people should adopt cultures that promote gender equality and development.
She said cultures that undermine women and their empowerment have no place in Kenya.
Mwangolo said the Kwale county assembly is working to formulate a Bill that seeks to identify, protect and promote cultural diversity.
Mwangolo said cultures can be used to create employment opportunities for many people.
He urged the youth to embrace cultures to transform their lives.
The World Kujenga Amani project Coordinator Livingstone Nyando also stressed using cultures and traditions to curb crimes, and drug abuse and foster development.
He said communities lived in harmony in the past because of strong cultures promoting peace and cohesion.
Nyando said people must embrace the old lifestyles for unity and prosperity.
