By Johnson Chengo
The national and the Kilifi governments have been challenged to take the lead in promoting and creating awareness to programmes that preserve and nature cultural practices.
Speaking to the media in Mnarani Ruins after presenting a Mijikenda marriage play, Jukwaa producer for Arts Production Caroline Ngorobi, said culture ought to be the center of development by the two levels of governments.
She decried the continuing erosion of indigenious culture by Western lifestyle, thus creating a massive disconnect between old and the younger generation.
“Culture that has no meaning is dead and that is why we are challenging the national and the County government to increase funds of creating awareness on initiatives that nature cultural values so as the avert the diminishing of our indigenous cultural identities,” she said.
She highlighted that the promotion and documentation of indigenous cultural values enhanced the ability to be culturally informed by reflecting on their history attitudes.
“Enhancing promotion and preservation of cultural awareness by the government would aid recognition and respect for diverse heritage among younger generations,” said Ngorobi.
Jukwaa Arts production is a theater Organization that works with emerging and establishing artist through open audition workshop to showcase their talents.
The Organization project initiative dubbed Chimidzi Midzi operates in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties focusing on restoration of the Mijikenda cultural values.
She also faulted the government for not involving the youth during the returning of artefacts (Vigango) from the United States.
Jukwaa Arts creative production Assistant John Mumba, said lack of awareness among young people has been the root cause of elderly killing on witchcraft suspicion, intolerance and biases against other cultures.
“Most of our play we are documenting focuses on the role of elders to the youth in the society because majority of them used to refer Kaya elders as witchcraft which prompt them to face massive killing,” said Mumba.
He tamed the move will not hamper the gains realized through the modern education and urged the Mijikenda to emulate the Maasai culture for remaining an envy of both the local and international.
He adds that it takes dedication and concerted efforts by the government and cultural organization to maintain and sustain the culture.
“We encourage the Mijikenda community to emulate the Maasai culture because it’s one of the intangible cultures that is profiting both local at the international level,” he said.
