By Alex Njeru
Preserving culture is not just about honoring the past but securing the identity, pride, and sustainability of a people for the current and future generations.
Tharaka Nithi County is proving to be a beacon of cultural preservation and empowerment, determined to ensure that its rich heritage is not only protected but also transformed into an engine of economic growth.
Tharaka Nithi County government is set to partner with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in a comprehensive initiative to document, protect, and promote the unique cultural expressions of the region.
Discussion on the collaboration was held during a high-level meeting hosted by County Secretary Mr. Alex Muratha, Tourism Chief Officer Irene Nkirote, and Tourism Director Geoffrey Chabari. The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Henry Ndungu, Chairman of the Kenya Memory of the World (MoW) Committee under UNESCO.
One of the core issues discussed was the urgent need to document Tharaka Nithi’s indigenous knowledge systems, traditional songs, dances, crafts, and rituals.
With globalization and digital dissemination, communities face increasing risks of cultural appropriation, where their unique traditions and knowledge are copied or commercialized without consent or benefit.
Dr. Ndungu emphasized that without formal documentation and intellectual property protections such as cultural patents and trademarks, communities risk losing their identity and rights over their own heritage.
“We must document and safeguard our cultural heritage before it is stolen, diluted, or forgotten. Our traditions are not just for entertainment—they are intellectual property, and they must be protected as such,” said Dr. Ndungu.
To this end, the collaboration will prioritize the creation of a digital archive and physical registry of cultural artifacts, oral histories, and performances. This will not only preserve knowledge for future generations but also serve as legal evidence of cultural ownership on national and international platforms.
Beyond preservation, the partnership is designed to turn culture into a source of livelihood for local communities. During a visit to the iconic Ura Gate Cultural Festival venue, the team interacted with local cultural groups including the Mukothima Traditional Dancers and the Ura Gate Cultural Group.
These groups showcased their dynamic performances and crafts, offering a vivid snapshot of Tharaka Nithi vibrant cultural mosaic.
Dr. Ndungu encouraged the groups to form cooperative societies (SACCOs) and creative industry associations. “When cultural practitioners are organized into cooperatives, they can access funding, market their products more efficiently, and even benefit from tourism and international collaborations,” he said.
Tourism Director Geoffrey Chabari echoed these sentiments, noting that cultural groups have a vital role to play in both attracting tourists and preserving indigenous knowledge. “Our culture is our strength. If properly nurtured, it can lift our people out of poverty,” he remarked.
The annual Tharaka Nithi Ura Gate Cultural Festival, held every August, stands as a flagship event for the county’s cultural preservation and economic empowerment strategy. This vibrant festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Kenya and beyond, offering a platform for cultural groups to perform, sell their crafts, and engage in knowledge exchange.
From age-old Tharaka chants and drum beats to intricately woven traditional attire, the festival celebrates the identity of the Tharaka, Mwimbi, and Muthambi communities. It also facilitates dialogue on cultural rights, policy development, and the promotion of peace and cohesion through shared heritage.
Mr Muratha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the cause, stating, “Tharaka Nithi is a land of untapped cultural wealth. We are not only preserving our history—we are shaping our future. Through collaboration with UNESCO and other partners, we will ensure that our culture brings pride, prosperity, and recognition to our people.”
As Kenya marches toward the realization of its Vision 2030 goals, counties like Tharaka Nithi are demonstrating that culture must not be sidelined in development discourse. Rather, it should be integrated into education, tourism, innovation, and enterprise.
This collaboration with UNESCO marks a crucial step in ensuring that the songs, stories, and symbols of Tharaka Nithi do not fade into silence but instead flourish as living, thriving legacies.
In the words of Chief Officer Nkirote, “Culture is not just what we inherit—it’s what we build upon. Let us honor our heritage by protecting it, sharing it, and making it work for us.”
With strategic partnerships, empowered communities, and a clear vision, Tharaka Nithi County is setting a national example—proving that culture, when preserved and respected, can be a powerful pillar of identity and a foundation for inclusive growth.
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