The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo together with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha joins students and staff in a dance during the celebrations.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on 18 January 2024, marked its 18 year of Tamasha Cultural Festivals with a showcase of rich cultural festivities. The week-long festival kicked off with a grand opening ceremony graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who highlighted the significance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of a changing climate. Hosted within the University grounds, the event took place from the 18 to 21 January 2024. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the University community and beyond. This year’s theme, carefully chosen to resonate with contemporary global concerns, ‘’ attracted participation from the entire University fraternity.
The event offered an array of cultural activities including traditional cultural performances, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and engaging interactive workshops, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnections of culture and environmental stewardship.
Students from the Turkana community during the event.
Speaking during the official opening of the event, Prof. Shibairo stressed on the fact that preserving cultural traditions in regard to a changing climate, is not only about safeguarding cultural heritage but also about leveraging the wisdom and resilience embedded in the traditions, to address and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
“The sad reality of modernization is that societies have unintentionally given up more than they have acquired by distancing themselves from their cultural roots. I urge you to recognize the inherent value in preserving and continuing our cultural heritage. This is a crucial step towards fostering a more resilient and harmonious society,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Similarly, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha noted that culture is important. He emphasized the profound impact of cultural elements on shaping both personal and collective identities. “Culture is not merely a set of external practices but an integral part of what makes individuals and communities unique and interconnected,” he stated.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha making his remarks during the event.
Commenting on this year’s theme, the Patron of Tamasha Cultural Festivals, Prof. Edwin Wamukoya noted that it is possible for us to embrace the power of cultural practices, values, and traditions to promote sustainable behaviors and environmental stewardship. He disclosed that the University takes pride in its diversity, with over 40 distinct cultures represented. Emphasizing the significance of cultural unity in addressing contemporary challenges, Prof. Wamukoya further elaborated on the role of these diverse cultural backgrounds in promoting a collective commitment to sustainable practices and responsible environmental management.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the university management for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of the 2024 Tamasha Cultural Festivals,” stated Prof. Wamukoya.
Mr. Benjamin Mutisya, the President of MMUSO, praised students for their outstanding performances at the cultural festivities. Emphasizing the equality of all cultures, Mr. Mutisya highlighted the role of events like Tamasha as integration platforms that bring students together, fostering unity especially during the MMUSO elections. He wished all comrades well throughout the semester.
Mr. Benjamin Mutisya, the outgoing MMUSO President making his presentation during the celebrations.
The highlight of the 2024 Tamasha Cultural Festivals was the disco, fashion, talent and beauty pageantry. These series of events took place on Saturday 20th January 2024, from 6pm to 12am midnight. The disco brought the dance floor to life with the dazzling lights and the highly infectious beats. The fashion showcase on the other hand featured a stunning array of traditional and contemporary styles, presenting the complexity of cultural diversity. The talent competition was indeed a testament to the extraordinary skills within the MMUST student community.
Similarly, the beauty pageantry added glamour and elegance to the entire festivities. Congratulations to Ms. Sheila Lelei and Mr. Barasa Emmanuel for winning the Mr. And Miss MMUST categories respectively. Miss Curvy, Mr. Flex and the Prom Queen 2024 were taken by Ms. Lindley Mobisa, Mr. Joel Ikapel and Ms. Stephanie Jane Akinyi respectively. Congratulations to the contestants for the hard-earned victory!
Members of the Maasai student community during the 2024 Tamasha Cultural heritage celebrations.
Beyond these highlights, the festival also featured a diverse array of cultural exhibitions showcasing the heritage of different cultures represented in campus. The attendees were treated to thrilling bull fighting episodes, as sports enthusiasts cheered to the competitive events that brought out the best in athletics. The celebrations were concluded by interdenominational services, that brought together individuals from different religious backgrounds in a shared spiritual experience, creating a holistic celebration of culture and community.
A section of students during event.
Indeed, the Tamasha Cultural Festival, a flagship event of MMUST, has firmly established itself as a beacon of cultural brilliance over the past eighteen 18 years. As MMUST embraces the 18th edition of Tamasha, the focus extends beyond cultural expression to underscore the University’s commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues through the lens of cultural practices. Congratulations to the planning committee of the 2024 Tamasha Cultural Festival for orchestrating such a spectacular celebration!
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
