- The PS lauded the efforts the government has made in the past that has kept alive the culture and heritage that Kenya is enjoying today.
- She appreciated the elderly who she said have been able to pass knowledge, skills and culture to the young generation.
The PS in State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage Ummy Bashir has urged the National government to release more funds to the counties to enable promotion of talent and heritage.
Bashir spoke during the launch of the 96th Music Festival Edition on Saturday at Wote Technical, Makueni county.
The PS lauded the efforts the government has made in the past that has kept alive the culture and heritage that Kenya is enjoying today.
She appreciated the elderly who she said have been able to pass knowledge, skills and culture to the young generation.
"We are grateful to our aged dads and mums, you preserved our cultures trickling them down to youths, that's why today we have traversed to Makueni from as far as Baringo and Kilifi, to promote our culture and build unity amongst ourselves."
Bashir congratulated Makueni for the rich culture and heritage that still exists in the many missionary institutions and churches that were founded by the whites during colonial times, the dresscode and traditional foods.
"Other counties must borrow a leaf from Makueni in matters of conserving their culture and heritage," Bashir added.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said showcasing of various cultures provides a platform of oneness as Kenyans.
"We are all different in our own unique ways, but if you listen to the instruments being played, you learn that we are all saying the same thing," he said.
Mutula was exited by a group from Baringo "the Jumbus" that played the guitar moving the crowds by their folk song.
He said the tourism circuit that Makueni has established such as digitisation of information among others, are guarded by the many bill approved in the Makueni County Assembly.
According to Albanus Manzu who heads the Culture and Heritage committee in the county, in 2016, Makueni County heritage bill was passed into a law to regulate culture and create awareness.
In 2021, an Act of creating stakeholders interlinkage was created to enable funds be set aside for the music and culture.
Manzu said the County Assembly continues to play a key role towards enhancement of culture for betterment of Makueni people.
Makueni County Executive Member for Culture and Tourism Peter Mumo said the county has 124 entries for the festival.
The music festivals are scheduled to start on December 1 and end on December 9.
Theme of the year is "Our Culture Towards National Cohesion, Integration and Peace."