Youth urged to embrace culture

By Enock Okong’o

The youths have been asked to embrace culture as it is the mirror of the society and the glue that binds people’s lives.

Speaking at Kisii National Polytechnic during the closure of the institution’s Cultural Week, the director of Culture, Youths and Children in Kisii County, Mr. Nyambane Obino, said that people find the total sum of their lives in culture.

“We find meaning and purpose in our lives through the aesthetic expressions found in culture through plays, songs and dance,” he said.

The director said that the youths are the main vehicles of meaningful change in society and wondered where they could get the fuels of that desired change if they lived in disregard of their traditional values.

Mr. Nyambane Obino giving a demonstration on total involvement in dance to the Kisii National Polytechnic students. Photo/Enock Okong’o.

Obino, who is also an elder, while speaking to parents as their children listened, asked them to listen to the youth as they give guidance without compromising their integrity.

He praised the principal of the institution, Mr. David Mwangi, who he said has stayed in the Polytechnic for a short time and has turned it around.

“The country needs such development conscious people for its quick transformation goals tabulated in the Vision 2030,” he remarked.

Nyambane, who is a former high school teacher appealed to principals of different learning institutions to finance drama activities because it is through these involvements that they can integrate to get smooth coexistence in the country that hosts more than 40 ethnic groups.

David Mwangi, the principal unveiled their plans to build a museum in the institution for the preservation of the region’s heritage.

He decried the lack of landmarks in the historical sites like Mwanyagetinge estate, Getembe, Nyanchwa and Gekomu in Kisii town.

“There is need to name the main streets and buildings of Kisii town after great personalities like George Anyona Moseti and events like Ribina dance as part of the region’s heritage.” he said.

During the week’s fair, the students displayed a variety of items that ranged from traditional songs and dances, plays and recitations that depicted a diversity of life experiences.

Students from the Coastal region showcased their rich cultural experiences through the Tufurahie, meaning ‘let us rejoice’, a dance that was characterized with slow paces.

The Rift Valley region presented songs that provoke memories of hunting and self-defense experiences.

The festival reached its climax when Nyanza region’s participants presented the Ribina dance that was followed by the frenzied Kuria chants and Ramogi dance.

All of those who attended the occasion left with ribs cracking and yearning for another annual event.