Trans Nzoia County has finally taken over full ownership and management of Kitale National Museum from the National Government.
While confirming the transition, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Stanley Kirui hailed the move, explaining that it was long overdue.
He said that under local management, the interests of the people of Trans Nzoia who enjoy diverse cultural backgrounds will be served, adding that it will help promote cultural preservation for posterity.
Following the formalisation of the transition process, Kirui stated that the county will immediately embark on upgrading the museum to better standards.
He added that staff rationalisation and deployment are expected to be undertaken, as he confirmed that some positions will be reevaluated and staff with specialised skills essential to the running of the museum will be retained.
The County Officer for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism, Jane Wachwenge, said the move to delocalize ownership and management of the museum, which opened doors in 1924, was not arbitrary.
She said the move comes at the right time; the county government has laid plans, emphasising on cultural preservation.
However, she moved to allay fears, which have engulfed the 19 staff members, that the county will place them on the payroll to ensure continuity and alignment with the broader goal of preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
She added that the county has put in place plans to ensure that cultural homesteads are built within the museum’s premises to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the 42 tribes within the county.
“The transition will not only help transform the museum into a hub for cultural diversity, but it will also help boost tourism in a County known for its scenic beauty and historical significance,” she said.
The Museum’s curator, Frederick Palapala, described the transition as a promising moment, saying that it provides an opportunity for the transformation of the institution into a beacon of cultural pride and historical awareness.
By Isaiah Nayika
