The State Department of Trade is gearing up to celebrate Utamaduni Day on October 10, a significant event that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and creative economy.
As part of the celebrations, in an inspired departure from tradition, the department on Tuesday hosted a free culture, heritage, and art exhibition at the State department’s offices, Telposta Towers, Nairobi to promote Kenyan culture and support young artists.
The state office, transformed into a buzzing art gallery that drew throngs of art enthusiasts, civil servants, and members of the public, shimmered with color, emotion, and ingenuity to celebrate the boundless creativity of young Kenyan artists.
Twenty-one talented young artists showcased their work, turning the government space into a display of cultural expression.
Leading the organizational effort were two students from a local university Jeremy Esete and Vincent Mawira, both third year Mathematics and Economics scholars whose passion for art brought an academic discipline into vibrant dialogue with creative expression.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade Regina Ombam while speaking during the event said that this initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to empower local artisans and promote Kenya’s trade, culture and heritage.
“As we are looking to gear up for the Utamaduni celebrations which are coming up this Friday, the State Department, through the young people in the department, opted to have a precursor to the celebrations by holding a free afternoon of culture, heritage and art” she said.
The PS described the initiative as a bold step in reimagining public institutions as spaces of openness, culture, and learning noting that the exhibition aims to showcase the value of young people’s work and provide a platform for them to network and sell their art pieces.
“The timing of the exhibition gave the event an added cultural resonance. It underscored Kenya’s rich artistic legacy while also highlighting the State Department’s innovative approach to engaging the public” she said.
Ombam emphasized the power of art galleries as critical windows into different cultures and ideas, showcasing our artistic heritage, and fostering appreciation and critical thinking and that through art we be able to speak about our heritage as we network and we also work towards promoting Kenyan culture.
“We are excited to share our space with artistically endowed young Kenyans to display their work and to turn our offices into a gallery for a good cause,” she remarked adding that they also wanted to use this opportunity to get the public to see the value that the young people have.
She noted that there is a lot of experience that we are seeing from the pieces that were being exhibited and that they are glad that when the exhibitors show their pieces of art and those who have come for this exhibition were satisfied with how the event turned out.
The PS said that the government is capitalizing on our cultural heritage and our understanding of trade, culture and heritage to push the trade agenda beyond just goods only but also in services and that our products are of value and we are going out of our way to really showcase what Kenya can do.
She divulged that it is not only in the traditional products like tea, coffee, flowers that the government has been promoting trade, culture and heritage but we are moving to even services looking at our sports, our art, our digital tech people among others.
“By promoting Kenya’s cultural heritage and creative economy, the Ministry aims to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development,” she said, adding that the event is an opportunity for young local artisans to showcase their talents and connect with potential buyers and industry players.
She said that with the right support and platforms, Kenya’s artisans and creative economy can thrive, contributing to a brighter future for the country noting that our products are of value, and that the government is making efforts in highlighting what Kenya can do.
Ombam said that the government has implemented policies to support local artisans, including affordable housing programs, access to capital, and capacity building initiatives.
She further said that the ministry is also working to integrate Kenya’s diverse culture and heritage into global strategies like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to promote trade and economic growth.
She encouraged local artisans to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and to participate in Utamaduni Day celebrations.
Beyond its celebratory atmosphere, the exhibition signaled a long-term vision. In this fusion of public service and artistry, the State Department for Trade has set a striking precedent, proving that even the corridors of government can pulse with creativity, dialogue, and cultural discovery.
By Anita Omwenga
