• Gikungu said the Ogiek people were recognised internationally because of the good work they were doing to preserve their culture.
• The director urged every community to preserve their culture as it is the thread that joins the past, the present and the future.
Image: FILE
The first Ogiek Cultural Centre has been opened in Nkarretta, Narok county.
It was opened by National Museums of Kenya director general Mary Gikungu.
She said the establishment of the centre is a testament to their commitment in promoting and preserving the Ogiek community unique traditions and wisdom.
Gikungu said the Ogiek people were recognised internationally because of the good work they were doing to preserve their culture.
“As we inaugurate the Ogiek Cultural Centre, we celebrate the heritage, identity and enduring spirit of the Ogiek people. It is not the size of the people that matters, but the power to conserve their culture,” she said.
The director urged every community to preserve their culture as it is the thread that joins the past, the present and the future.
She acknowledged the challenges and injustices that have threatened the survival of Ogiek culture, saying they have for a long time faced marginalisation, discrimination and erosion of their cultural heritage.
“The struggle for recognition, land rights and social justice has been long. But we are opening a new chapter and say we are no longer marginalised,” Gikungu said.
“The Ogiek people have demonstrated resilience, courage and unwavering determination. Let us remember that culture is dynamic, evolving and shaped by experiences and aspirations of each new generation."
She said the centre will be a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and a place where young and old can learn to share and celebrate the richness of Ogiek culture.
"We want to work with you to upgrade some of the exhibitions here. We will be happy to see that some of the artefacts taken away from you are returned to the community," Gikungu said.
“We have promised to come up with a national beekeeping exhibition where we have a whole section that is dedicated to the Ogiek community.”
Gikungu said the exhibition will be a travelling exhibition that could easily be moved to different counties so the younger generation can learn and appreciate their culture.
Ogiek Peoples Development Programme director general Daniel Kobei said the cultural centre is a landmark facility for the community.
“We have never enjoyed our ancestral land or given to celebrate our culture. Instead, we found ourselves in a situation where we have been begging other communities to accommodate us in their culture,” Kobei said.
According to the census report of 2019, the Ogiek community has a population of 52,000 people spread in six counties.
Narok education executive Robert Simwoto said the county government will continue to support the Ogiek community by giving them job opportunities and conserving their culture.
He urged the community to educate their children so they can compete for professional jobs with other communities.
Joseph Mulinga, an Ogiek member, said cultural centre is expected to unify the community.
The cultural centre was built by Land is life and the Christensen Fund. among other partners.