The Principal Secretary of Youth Affairs and the Arts, Ismail Maalim Madey,has emphasised the importance of cultural diversity in understanding and appreciating diverse societal groups with varying interests, skills, talents, and needs.
He highlighted that Kenya has many diverse cultures, including African, Arabic, Asian, European, and American cultures.
Madey noted that a better understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and life experiences can help make the world a stable, peaceful place and can help us develop as a country and as people.
The PS was speaking during the launch of Kenya College of Accountancy University’s (KCAU) 11th Cultural Week themed ‘Exploring Cultural Diversity and Talent Exposition’, where he emphasised the expression “Muacha mila ni mtumwa.”
Delighted with the institution’s cultural week, Madey praised the organisers, insisting that the event goes a long way in presenting opportunities for youths to experience a diverse cultural experience.
“KCA University is blessed with students from 14 nationalities that enable a good environment for them and a chance to interact with several people from different backgrounds,” he added.
He encouraged the students to pursue their passions and dreams and be productive models so that they may produce good ideas.
Further, the PS urged the students to take advantage of the visual arts, theatre and films, dance, and music, for they are great opportunities to assist them in creating job opportunities for themselves and others and to contribute to the growth of the natural economy.
Madey stated that the government has realised that there are several initiatives and resources available to support youth in artistic endeavours.
“Individuals scouted with talents in sports progress to the Kenya Academy of Sports, and those in arts and creative content are linked to various creative opportunities they can take advantage of,” said Madey.
He disclosed that the Ministry is expanding and renovating the Kenya National Theatre to be an international cultural centre, showcasing international cultural shows.
Madey added that the Ministry is also investing in innovation across the country, where young people can use their skills in cultural and creative innovation ventures.
“The Ministry is renovating the National Cinema into a state-of-the-art film screening centre which will be built in the region with a capacity of 856,” he revealed.
Additionally, the PS pointed out that the Ministry has partnered with organisations like Netflix and GIZ, ‘the German Government’s agency, to facilitate development assistance on an exchange programme targeting the skills of producers and directors.
He also mentioned that the Ministry is exploring partnership packages that will include funded opportunities, scholarships, and arts capacity-building initiatives with the Grammys from the USA to ensure that it produces music targeting the global market and makes youths earn more resources from their work.
Madey announced at the same time that the Ministry will be hosting two major events that are of interest to young people. The first, from November 27 to December 1, 2023, will host the Kenya Innovation Week Commonwealth Edition, which will bring 56 Commonwealth nations to Nairobi so that Kenya may showcase our innovative initiative across the globe.
He challenged the KCAU students to showcase the talents they have for Kenyans and the rest of the world during the event.
“The innovation week event calls for people with innovative ideas to participate in the Presidential Innovation Challenge that will be awarded by the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, during Jamhuri Day,” Madey reiterated.
The PS urged the students and youths in the country who would like to participate to visit the Kenya National Innovation Agency website and give out their ideas. Luckily, the winners will benefit from those rewards and secure themselves a position to start their own enterprise.
“The second event is set to celebrate Africa’s Youth Connect Summit from December 8 to December 13, which marks the 60th anniversary of Kenya’s Independence Jamhuri Day and is intended to congregate over 20,000 delegates from across the continent and beyond,” he declared.
Madey implored the students’ fraternity to participate in the various events and activities planned for the KCAU Cultural Week.
He also expressed his excitement about the KCAU cultural week and hoped that it would foster a spirit of creativity, cultural appreciation, and unity among the students and the community.
By Carol Mawia
