King Peter Mumia II of Wanga Kingdom (left), Deputy Governor of Kakamega County- H.E Ayub Savula together with other dignitaries during the opening ceremony.
The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Institute of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Studies (IIKCS) is participating in the ongoing 3rd Kenya National Cultural and Tourism Festival which commenced yesterday, 16th March, 2023, and will end tomorrow, 18th March 2023. The three- day festival themed, ‘Embracing Our Culture and Tourism Diversity for Socio-Economic Development’ is taking place at the Bukhungu Stadium. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai presented on, ‘Leveraging on Traditional Medicine for Improved Health and Livelihoods’.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai making a presentation at the event.
The Deputy-Director, Dr. Lucy Mandillah, made a presentation on the ‘Role of the IIKCS in promoting Cultural Diversity and Development in the 21st Century’ on behalf of the Director, Prof. John Shiundu. During the event, IIKCS served indigenous foods of Western Kenya to the dignitaries. MMUST also utilized the opportunity to market its programs and services. The Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi and Ms. Vivianne Akinyi handled queries regarding careers and admissions at the well-attended event.
The celebrations, graced by King Peter Mumia II of Wanga Kingdom, were earmarked by entertainment such as music and dance from various cultural groups, Tree planting exercise, and Nature walk at the Kakamega Forest Courtesy of Kenya Wildlife Services, as well as a brief visit of the BullFighting Arena.
The Deputy-Director, IIKCS- Dr. Lucy Mandillah and Costa Rica Ambassador - H.E. Giovanna Valverde Stark during the celebrations.
The festival attracted high personalities in the Kenyan Government including; the Cabinet Secretary (Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts)- Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Deputy Governor of Kakamega County- H.E Ayub Savula, the Costa Rica Ambassador - H.E. Giovanna Valverde Stark, Director of Tourism Fund- Mr. Eden Odhiambo, Principal Secretary (State Department for Devolution) - Hon.Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary (State Department for Wildlife) - Hon. Sylvia Muhoro, Principal Secretary (State Department for Tourism) – Hon. John Ololtuaa, Director Inter-Governmental Department (Nairobi County)- Ms. Joyce Kinyanjui, Secretary General(Kenya National Commission for UNESCO)- Dr. Evangeline Njoka, Chief Officer (Culture, Gender)- Ms. Vivian Ayuma, and Chief Officer (Ministry of Industrialization & Tourism Kakamega County)- Mr. Saxon Osore.
King Peter Mumia II (center), Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Alice Ndiema (second left) and one of the WECO Founders, Mr. Tom Shivachi serving traditional dishes at the MMUST tent.
The event was marked by presentations on topics including; ‘Enhancing Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development’, ‘Role of Youth and sports in Promotion of Cultural Heritage’ by Mr. Kisorio Biwott CECM Department of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services-Laikipia, ‘Wildlife Conservation management in Promotion of Culture, Heritage and Tourism’ by the Kenya Wildlife Services, and ‘the Role of the Media in Preservation of Culture and Promotion of Tourism’ by the Media.
Traditional foods served by the IIKCS at the festival.
Partners of the festival include; CPF, Tourism Regulatory Authority, National Bank of Kenya, Kakamega County Government, Elgeyo Marakwet County Government, Kenindia, County Government of Bungoma, Fountain Flow, National bank of Kenya, MMUST, KSLH, TFC, Samburu County Government, Cultural council Embassy of Iran, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, Kisumu County Government, Uganda High Commission Nairobi, County Government of Machakos, UNESCO, Kilifi County Government, County Government of Trans Nzoia, Butsotso Council of Elders, Bukura Agricultural College, State Department of Devolution, Ropha Beauty SPA, Tourism fund, Agricultural Society of Kenya, DSchool Robotics, as well as the Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels.
Hon. Ayub Savula signing visitors' books in the MMUST tent in the presence of the Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation)- Prof. Alice Ndiema, IIKCS Deputy Director- Dr. Lucy Mandillah, and Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing- Dr. Lydia Anyonje.
Indeed, this is an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, culture, and traditions which helps IIKCS to become more attractive and competitive as an institute to visit, work and invest in. This will play a vital role in the development of the University through the marketing of its programs and services.
By Verna Awuor
Photos by Linet Owuor
