The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, opened the 96th Edition of the National Kenya Music and Cultural Festivals on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The Festival took place at the Wote Technical Training Institute in Makueni County.
The 96th Kenya Music and Culture Festival was held under the theme,” Our Culture Towards National Cohesion, Integration and Peace.”
During the Festival, Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir emphasised the critical role of Culture and Music in enhancing Cohesion, integration and Peace in the Country.
In her speech, she stated that culture is the foundation of a nation’s backbone. It has the capability of imparting the required values to future generations.
She noted that the youth are displaying great performances at the ongoing festivals, a clear demonstration that the older generation is passing the requisite knowledge and skills to the young people, an element that will ensure culture is not eroded.
The PS Ummi assured the National Government’s support to the Devolved Governments in promoting and safeguarding culture and other artistic performances through the State Departments for Culture and Creative Industry.
The Festival was also attended by several other delegations and Moukeni County Governor Matula Kilonza Jr Executive Committee Chairperson Emily Akuno, among other notable guests.
Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo appreciated and welcomed all the participants to Makueni County. She also pleaded the PS Bashir to safeguard the National heritages.
The Executive Committee Chairperson, Prof. Emily Akuno, the Director of State Department for Culture, Dr Kiprop Lang’at, Kakamega County Deputy Director of Administration, Mr Cyril Mululu and the Ag attended the opening ceremony.
Director of Culture Gaudencia Otipa, among other notable guests.
Reportedly, Kakamega County won the national trophy nine times during the festival and looks forward to replicating the same class during this year’s celebrations.
The Kenya Film Certification Board also participated at the Festival. They emphasised to promote nation’s Kenya’s culture, National values and aspirations.