Egerton University, in collaboration with the County Government of Nakuru, is set to host a Cultural Week from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th March 2023. The event, which is taking place at Nyayo Gardens, will be an opportunity for both the university and the region to showcase their unique attributes and potential to the world.
Nakuru County Chief Officer of Tourism and Culture, Rosemary Kimani, accompanied by City Manager Gitau Thabanja and Egerton Deans of students Dr. Japhet Muthamia, and University Director for Marketing and Resource Mobilization Professor Paul Kimurto when they thanked the County Governor Her Excellency Susan Kihika and Egerton VC prof Kibwage for spearheading mutual collaborations to put the region in the global stage.
Collaborations
Ms Kimani expressed her excitement about the event, saying that the county is ready to co-host and highlight its diversity and rich potential. She also looked forward to seeing the students of Egerton University showcasing their diversity and engaging with scholars from the university.
Through Governor Susan Kihika, the County has been spearheading mutual collaborations to put the region on the global stage. The collaboration with Egerton University is a step towards achieving this goal.
The Cultural Week of Egerton University is taking place after a four-year break and is back in style, with a working arrangement with other stakeholders to make it authentic. Mr Dennis Odero, the Chairman of the Egerton University Students Association (EUSA) expressed his happiness about leaving a legacy behind by organizing such an event after the break. He said that the comrades are happy and ready to participate, and have been practicing their different cultures, songs, dance, and food cuisine.
"I am happy to leave a legacy behind of organising for the comrades such an event after a break. It was long overdue," said the outgoing Chairman of EUSA.
Students and the Community share light moments.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Japhet Muthamia, confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kibwage, is looking forward to the event. He said that the organizing committee had briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the progress made so far. The event is one that the university looks forward to seeing students and the community sharing light moments.
“We are working on a shoestring budget, this event is mostly supported by donors, EUSA, and contributions from corporate partners. We did not have a budget, but with the support from the County Government it was irresistible," explained Dr Muthamia.
Cultural Week is a platform for both the university and the community to showcase their diverse cultures, talents, and innovations. The event will bring together students, scholars, entrepreneurs, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the region's unique identity.
The Cultural Week will feature various activities, including cultural exhibitions, music and dance performances, fashion shows, poetry and storytelling sessions, and food festivals.
A significant boost to the local economy
Egerton University Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization Professor Paul Kimurto opined that the event will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the diverse cultures of the region, sample local cuisines, and interact with people from different backgrounds.
He noted that the Cultural Week will also feature seminars and workshops on various topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural heritage. The seminars and workshops will be led by industry experts, entrepreneurs, and scholars from Egerton University and beyond.
The event is a significant boost for the local economy as it will attract visitors from across the region and beyond. The event will create opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services and attract new customers. The event will also create employment opportunities for vendors, performers, and support staff.
Celebrating regions diversity
Nakuru city and Egerton University are located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, a region known for its diverse cultural heritage. Nakuru city is home to various ethnic communities, including the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Maasai, and Luo, who have a rich cultural heritage reflected in their customs, art, music, and dance. The city hosts various cultural festivals, such as the Nakuru Cultural Festival, which celebrates the region's diversity through traditional dances, cuisine, and art exhibitions. The DVC AA Prof Bernard Aduda was agreed that he would grace the occasion during the week as chief guest.
Egerton University, located in Njoro, Nakuru, is renowned for its agricultural research and training programs. The university also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a museum (Lord Egerton Castle) showcasing traditional artifacts, cultural practices, and the history of the local communities. The university has active communities drawn from staff, faculty, and students from different countries that promote the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage through music, dance, and drama performances.
Therefore, Nakuru city and Egerton University have a rich cultural heritage that reflects the diversity and history of the Rift Valley region. The cultural practices and traditions provide a window into the past while also providing opportunities for preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations.
By Kurian Musa/
