It was pomp and colour as the County Cultural and Music Festivals kicked off at the Pioneer Home Craft on Monday.
The Festivals which have attracted over 50 groups from across the county will be used to select those that will be participating at the National event slated for early December in Makueni.
The first day of the festivals that witnessed presentation from a number of groups were presided over by Culture County Executive Committee Member Anthony Sitienei.
Addressing the hundreds of the members of the various groups, the CECM said the music and cultural festivals provides an opportunity to showcase the county’s rich culture.
Commitment to support the groups
He assured of the Governor Jonathan Bii administration’s commitment to support various groups that will be selected.
“We’re here to celebrate our culture as Africans. We need to show our cultural abilities,” the CECM said.
“Those that will go to the National Festivals, be our Ambassadors. We will support you in everything that you do,” he added.
Similar sentiments were shared by Culture Chief Officer Eunice Suter who said festivals also provides for an opportunity to enhance cohesion and nurture talents.
“We will give you all the support so that you represent the county well,” the Chief Officer assured.
According to Director Culture Mohamed Haji, the county has been taking at least 6 groups to the National Music and Cultural Festivals.
He however said should resources allow, more will be considered for this year.
But the Director cautioned that poor performance at the National level will not be condoned.
Last year, Uasin Gishu County finished overall fourth, the lowest ranking in the county’s history at the event.
“We want to promise that we will never be at number four again, we have been number two and it’s time we took that one position,” the Director Culture said.
The county music festivals continues until Saturday.
Governor Jonathan Bii is expected to grace the festivals on Thursday.
