The second day of the Cultural Week held at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru City was a huge success with impressive performances of song, dance, and cultural folklore. The Egerton University students added an interesting twist to the event by dressing up in various outfits.
The Confucius Institute of Egerton University was also present at the event, showcasing calligraphy, Chinese cuisine, and language. Other groups followed the theme of the week-long festival, "Bringing together communities by facilitating and promoting inter-cultural experiences, tolerance, peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the City residents and its environs." These groups showcased different cultures, both local and international, through songs, dances, poetry, and even karate. A colorful and energetic Maasai dance stole the show, leaving the audience captivated.
In addition to the performances, exhibition stalls were set up, showcasing various food cuisines and cultural artifacts such as bows, shields, baskets, metal works, string works, wood carvings, musical instruments, canoes, ornaments, clothing, and mats. The exhibition stalls gave residents the opportunity to learn more about different cultures and the artifacts that represent them.
City Manager Mr. Gitau Thabanja graced the event and praised it as a platform for marketing cultural and creative commodity outputs within the region and internationally. He noted that the event played a significant role in strengthening intercultural relations among various communities and had given Nakuru City a chance to exhibit and experience its rich traditional culture. He further stated that the City Board, through the leadership of H.E Governor Susan Kihika's Administration, was keen on promoting cultural integration, raising awareness among students and residents regarding the significance of cultural identity, and preserving customs.
Egerton University Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization Professor Paul Kimurto was also present at the event and expressed his delight at having hosted the splendid festival in collaboration with the County Government. He hoped that the event would attract tourists locally and internationally and showcase the county's vast traditional culture and history.
The event has been a resounding success, with people from different parts of the county and outside thronging Nyayo Gardens to experience and learn more about the county's cultural heritage. It has been a unique opportunity for different communities to interact and learn from each other, fostering greater tolerance, peaceful and harmonious coexistence. It has also been a chance to showcase the creativity and talent of the students and residents of Nakuru City and its environs. The Cultural Week has set the bar high, and it is hoped that it will be an annual event that will continue to unite communities, promote cultural diversity, and celebrate the rich heritage of Nakuru City.
