Africa-Press – Kenya. Thousands of Kwale residents have converged at Matuga Cultural Centre for the Annual Kwale Cultural Competitions. The ninth annual event is to showcase cultural diversity and conserve it.
The theme is Our Culture towards National Cohesion, Integration and Peace. The occasion brought together all different communities across the county and will end on Thursday.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani arrived at the event donning buibui (long black gown) and Kisutu. The buibui traces its origin from the Arabs, while Kisutu is a traditional lesso worn by Mijikenda women.
The event was preceded by cultural dances, poetry, songs, and an exhibition of traditional attire, food and lifestyles. Both Mijikenda and other communities from the diaspora featured in the colourful cultural event.
Achani said the competitions are meant to embrace diversities and promote peaceful coexistence among Kwale communities. “The county has been organizing cultural competitions since devolution to recognise different cultures and traditions to foster unity,” she said.
She said the competitions are geared towards talent scouting and nurturing. Achani said the event is crucial in harnessing unity in diversity and recognising various talents for socioeconomic growth.
The governor said tourism remains a key economic investment of the region and such cultural extravaganza will help stir up the sector. She said the celebrations are also part of the county’s efforts to support youth through sports and cultures.
Achani said her administration wants to take advantage of different heritage and cultures to support youth by embracing the global dynamics and reaping big from the tourism sector.
She urged residents to use such occasions to educate and pass the good values to the younger generations. Achani said there is need for the children to be well conversant with their cultures and know the different traditions and help conserve them.
The governor said the county is planning to construct the Kwale Heritage and Cultural Centre dubbed Bomas of Kwale in Diani. She said the facility will assist in showcasing and conserving different cultures and historical documentation as well as creating employment opportunities
Achani urged residents to use diverse cultures and traditions to promote unity and shun division. “Embrace cultural tolerance and keep off from politics of tribal alignments and work together,” she said.
The governor said her administration treats all people as one and tribalism has no room. Talent and Social Services executive Francisca Kilonzo said the competitions involved a rigorous selection process.
She said the competitors were picked from the grassroots level through various auditions. Kilonzo said the county wants to campaign for peace and unity through culture conservation and the development of talents.
“The competitions brought onboard various people just to appreciate our diversities and strengthen cohesion,” she said.
Woman Rep Fatuma Masito stressed that embracing cultures and traditions will support the fight against teen pregnancies and early marriages. She said the GBV cases have been high because of cultural value erosion.
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