Turkana County Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has called on the local youth to take an active role in promoting the region’s rich cultural and tourism potential.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th National Youth Workshop on Culture and Heritage, held at the Loropio Start-Up Lions ICT Campus, Dr. Erus emphasized the importance of youth participation as ambassadors of Turkana’s heritage.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the county’s commitment to fostering tourism through an annual calendar of events designed to showcase Turkana’s cultural wealth.
“Every year we host the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, also called Tobong’ulore, the Lokiriama Peace Accord, and the Ata Nayece festivals. You can seize the opportunity to invite participants or contribute by taking part in such events,” he stated.
He further encouraged the youth to engage in heritage conservation, emphasizing the need for developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship over Turkana’s abundant cultural assets.
“Turkana County Government and UNESCO will document Edon’ga as an intangible cultural heritage asset, in line with Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s agenda for strengthening Turkana’s cultural heritage,” he stated.
The documentation of Edong’aa as a cultural asset will be facilitated by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, a body whose work safeguards intangible cultural heritage such as dances.
The five-day workshop offers youth participants a comprehensive knowledge exchange program, facilitated by UNESCO, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KFRI).
The program includes lectures and discussions aimed at enhancing the participants’ understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Turkana Boy archaeological site, providing a unique learning experience in human history and evolution. A possible visit to Lake Turkana, Central Island, is also on the agenda.
Archaeological experts underscore Turkana’s significance as the cradle of mankind, citing evidence pointing to the earliest human existence at Nariokotome in Turkana North.
The DG was accompanied by the county Executive for Tourism, Audan Leah Lokaala, Tourism Chief officer Cecilia Majuma and Boniface Korobe, the Director Culture Heritage and Arts.
By Peter Gitonga
