Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for urgent action to preserve Kenya’s indigenous languages and cultural warning that the country risks losing its identity amid rapid technological changes and modern influences.
Speaking today during the closing ceremony of the 98th Kenya Music and Cultural Festival Gala in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, Prof. Kindiki said Kenya’s strength and future prosperity are anchored in its cultural heritage.
He noted that the Constitution places great emphasis on the recognition and safeguarding of culture, adding that native language remains the most powerful expression of identity.
“Language and culture are the strongest form of identity one can ever have. It is stronger than any career or education so anyone abandoning their language is a slave because language and culture form the bedrock of our Constitution, and the State is obligated to protect our diverse cultures and languages,’ said the DP.
Prof. Kindiki at the same time cautioned that while Kenya continues to build world-class infrastructure.like roads, water systems, electricity networks and other physical developments,the nation also need to invest on its moral and cultural foundation.
“As much as we build the hardware, we need to focus also on our software we must promote good morals among our children because you can have intelligent children but with poor morals who end up being valueless,”he noted.
In Eldoret festival, cultural showcases were featured with vibrant assortment of music, traditional dances, drama, plays, costumes, and cuisines, offering a rich display of Kenya’s diverse heritage.
The DP however praised the performances, saying they represent the cultural wealth that must be transmitted faithfully to younger generations.
He expressed concern that many children are growing up detached from their roots hence lacking knowledge of cultural norms and displaying diminishing respect for elders and community values.
“Many of our children have little respect for our traditions and culture, little respect for elders, community and traditions so we must work hard to impart these values on them and reset the foundation of our nation” he added.
Turning to development matters, the former Interior CS highlighted progress made under the Kenya Kwanza administration to expand critical infrastructure.
He announced that the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, a flagship government project, is being expedited and will eventually extend to Eldoret and to Malaba.
He noted that the government is also accelerating access to electricity which now reaches 10.6 million households, with an ambition of achieving universal connectivity by 2030.
Prof. Kindiki said such mega projects will rely increasingly on creative financing models, including public-private partnerships and the sale of stakes in state-owned enterprises.
“We must look for innovative ways to build more roads, water, electricity and realise other infrastructure projects,” he stated.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, and MPs Julius Rutto (Kesses) and Joseph Wainaina (Nominated), among other leaders.
