The Secretary for Minorities and Marginalized Communities in the Office of the President, Lowoi Josphat Lodewa, has called on Kenyans to protect and promote their cultural heritage.
Lodewa observed that culture remains a key pillar of identity and national development, hence should be prioritized.
Speaking at Maasai Mara University, Lodewa emphasized that culture is not only a social asset but also a constitutional right that deserves protection.
“Culture is the foundation of who we are as a people, and it is clearly recognized and protected under the Constitution of Kenya,” Lodewa said. “When we neglect our culture, we lose a vital part of our identity.”
He expressed concern that many communities have abandoned positive cultural values while adopting harmful practices that do not benefit society.
“Unfortunately, some communities have embraced practices that are destructive, while ignoring rich cultural traditions that once guided social cohesion and economic well-being,” he noted.
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Lodewa urged Kenyans to balance modern education with traditional values, saying the two can work together to improve livelihoods.
“Formal education should not replace our cultural values. Instead, the two should complement each other to strengthen communities and improve livelihoods,” he said.
He revealed that the government plans to use learning institutions, including universities, to promote awareness and training on cultural heritage.
“We will work with institutions of learning to ensure cultural heritage is taught, documented, and preserved for future generations,” Lodewa stated.
The official also reflected on the historical impact of colonialism on African societies, noting that many indigenous ways of life were disrupted.
“Before colonialism, African communities had well-defined systems and distinct ways of life, but these were negatively influenced during that period,” he said.
Lodewa warned that continued disregard for culture could have long-term consequences, particularly in the loss of history and identity.
“When culture is ignored, we lose our ability to document our past and pass it on to future generations,” he said, appealing to Kenyans to safeguard their traditions. “Preserving our culture is preserving our history.”
By Kimutai Langat
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