As the country gradually shifts focus to the 2027 polls, communities across Kenya have been encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage and embrace cultural diversity as a cornerstone of national unity and cohesion.
The call was made during Cultural Week celebrations held at the Michuki National Polytechnic, where students from various technical training institutions gathered to celebrate their heritage in a colourful showcase of Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry.
Songs and traditional dances filled the air as students dressed in vibrant cultural attire transformed the institution’s grounds into a lively exhibition of customs, artefacts and cuisines from different communities across the country.
The event provided a platform for dialogue, interaction and collaboration among young people from diverse backgrounds.
Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) Chief Principal Ms Ann Mbogo said the institution was proud to celebrate Kenya’s cultural diversity, describing it as a source of belonging and national pride.
“As an institution, we are celebrating our cultural diversity, which defines our belonging as a country. Through this event, our strength and nationalism come alive regardless of where one comes from because our diversity is our heritage,” she said.
Mbogo noted that such events allow students to learn from one another’s traditions and appreciate different ways of life.
“For example, we get to learn about the Maasai culture, sample mursik from the Kalenjin community, and try Swahili dishes.
Through this, we appreciate our diversity while fostering peace and unity because we are all Kenyans, and we are able to live together,” she observed.
Ms Mbogo reiterated that embracing cultural diversity is key to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and national progress, especially during politically sensitive periods.
James Nguma, a trainer at the institution, observed that the event had enabled students to interact freely with peers from across the country, strengthening unity among the youth.
“Through this event, our students have been able to interact with others from all communities in Kenya. This fosters unity and helps them channel their strength and energy into positive activities instead of antisocial behaviour,” he said.
Nguma noted that such initiatives are particularly important as the country heads toward the 2027 elections.
“Ethnic and cultural differences should not be viewed as divisions, but rather as strengths that can foster innovation, social harmony and national development,” he said.
Bukayo Wario, a student from Taita, said the cultural day had helped students to understand and appreciate other communities.
“This event helps us know and appreciate other cultures. I also exhibited foods from my community so that others can learn and appreciate our diversity and I also got to learn about other cultures as well,” he said, adding that,
It brings togetherness, peace and unity. Kenyans need to live together without drawing tribal lines.”
“As we approach the elections, activities like this are critical in fostering unity and ensuring young people live beyond tribal divisions.”
Kelvin Leiyan, while showcasing Maasai artefacts during the celebration, said the event demonstrated that young people can remain united regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
“This event has shown that young people in this country can unite without caring where one comes from. Even when we are electing leaders, we should not vote based on tribe but choose leaders who are development-orientated and capable of driving change,” he said.
This year’s celebrations were anchored on the theme “United in diversity, celebrating Kenya’s cultural richness and talent.”
by Florence Kinyua
