By John Majau
A curriculum on the Meru culture will be developed if a Bill before the Meru County Assembly is adopted.
The Kimeru Institute Bill 2021, now before Youth, Sports and Culture Committee chair Evans Mawira seeks to promote and preserve custom, traditions, culture and historic integrity of the Meru people.
If approved by the assembly after public participation, the Kimeru Institute will be established to be in charge of the preservation of the local language, music and identity of the community.
The institute will also hold in trust for the community any cultural articles and sites not owned by an individual or organisation.
In addition, the institute will be charged with the protection of cultural sites and historical monuments in the county and promote tourism.
Other duties will include facilitating research of cultural history and archiving of historical records and artifacts.
In consultation with stakeholders and the national government, the board will determine the compensation royalties or other benefits to be received by communities or groups for the use of their culture, cultural goods, services, articles, or cultural heritage.
It will also support and nurture creative talent in the county.
The board of trustees headed by a Director-General shall also be established and mandated to work on the establishment of cultural centres and other institutions for the promotion of Kimeru culture in the county.
The board of trustees shall comprise a representative of Njuri Ncheke elders, youth, women, an expert in Kimeru culture, the county attorney, among others.
Mitunguu MCA Mawira said the Bill before his committee was being taken through the relevant steps.
The board of trustees will be paid according to determination by Meru County Public Service Board and Salaries and Remuneration Commission
The Director-General shall be a person with a degree in matters relating to culture and have at least five years post qualification managerial experience
The DG shall be the secretary to the board and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the institute
The county government may second its staff to the institute at all levels.
