- He said the country’s traditional knowledge should be utilised to solve some of the problems facing Kenyans.
- “The traditional knowledge could also be commercialised so that we can benefit from them,” he added.
Image: FILE
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has urged Kenyans to conserve the environment in the spirit of celebrating the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi during celebrations to mark the inaugural Utamaduni Day, Kuria said observing cultural and traditional practices would go a long way in tackling climate change.
“Let us ask ourselves, are we better off than our ancestors and forefathers? Our people were naturally conservationists,” he stated.
Kuria noted that Utamaduni Day was set aside for Kenyans to reflect on where they have come from as a nation and where they wish to be in the future.
“Today, we are grappling with many problems like climate change. Where I come from, we associate our god with the four water towers which border our people. If we try to learn from them, we will be better off,” he said.
The CS said it was time Kenyans took stock and asked themselves if the things that they do today are at variance with what the founders and ancestors did.
“If we copy their ways of life, even as a government, we will be very successful. We can indeed learn a lot from that generation. Our forefathers were better than us,” he said.
He said the country’s traditional knowledge should be utilised to solve some of the problems facing Kenyans.
“The traditional knowledge could also be commercialised so that we can benefit from them,” he added.
Kuria noted that the Cabinet last week approved the Culture Bill which seeks to protect the country’s culture and heritage.
“We also approved Kenya to join the UNESCO protocol of 1954 for the prevention of culture. People who have been taking away cultural products should now know that we are now protected by international laws and conventions,” he added.
Kuria added that Kenyans should use culture for peace-building purposes.
Utamaduni Day is marked by diverse celebrations that showcase Kenya's cultural richness, promote unity and advance economic development.
Through cultural performances, the day brings together all of Kenya's ethnic, linguistic and racial groups to share in music and dance.
The day also provides an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate traditional Kenyan cuisine.