Kenya National Commission for UNESCO to mark 10th anniversary with 4-day cultural festival

The event, which runs from Wednesday of this week, will feature cultural performances and exhibitions under the theme "A Decade of Excellence- Enhancing Development, National Cohesion, Identity and Pride". This theme highlights the importance of national integration, cohesion, and sustainable development.

Dr Evangeline Njoka, the Secretary-General and CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized the government's efforts to enhance the UNESCO-Kenya Partnership and the importance of preserving culture and strengthening cultural values.

"We are delighted to stage our national cultural celebrations and our 10th-anniversary commemoration on the backdrop of the World International Arts Day to be celebrated on Saturday 15th April 2023, with the theme Art is good for the health.

"Ours is a testament to our commitment to redefining values as a country and impacting the current generation to rise to the occasion, we are keen on strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and sustainable development,” said Dr Njoka.

The festival itinerary kicks off today (Wednesday) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) with the arrival of diverse cultural groups from the country's 47 counties and multi-sectoral exhibitions.

Thursday marks the grand opening of the event, which will be graced by top government officials, international organization executives, and Kenyans from all walks of life. The Commission will also launch its 10-year publication, which showcases KNATCOM’s contributions to Kenya’s development in the areas of education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture and communication, and information.

There will be an adjudication of cultural performances and various acts from Thursday to Saturday. Saturday is the World Art Day celebration, which will feature electrifying performances from diverse groups, including artists with special needs and those drawn from informal settlements, to promote inclusivity in the creative arts industry.

The event will be free for all, with performances from renowned performers in the country set to start from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

The four-day event aims to promote the unifying nexus that drives inclusivity in celebrating our cultural diversity.