Varsities urged to embrace diverse cultures

By ROBERT NYASATO

Kisii County

The Government is committed to translating Kenyan communities’ cultures into vibrant industries, National Heritage and Culture Assistant Minister Wilfred Ombui has said.

Diverse cultures, Mr Ombui said, have been widely used for entertainment. But his ministry, he said, plans to divert the potential to enhance national integration and cohesion to create an enabling environment towards realisation of Vision 2030.

The minister said his ministry was partnering with universities in the fields of research, cultural heritage preservation and protection for national development.

"We’re seeking support from international cultural development partners to advance and promote our local cultural development agenda for the benefit of our people," Ombui said.

Cultural dialogue

The minister was speaking at Kisii University College (KUC) on Tuesday when he launched the institution’s Cultural Week Festival.

He challenged institutions of higher learning to organise similar fora to advance cultural dialogue and peaceful co-existence among Kenyans for enhanced nation building.

He said his ministry would help fund cultural events organised by universities given the key role they play.

Nyanza Provincial Director of Culture Ken Otieno, KUC Principal Sorana Akama and Council Chairman Joseph Nyasani graced the occasion that was organised by students.

Prof Nyasani said it was through such fora that students learn to integrate. He said the university was sourcing for sponsors to establish a music school for such development.