Unesco to tap into Nakuru’s rich creativity

Kenya National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) will tap into Nakuru’s rich creativity to turn the town into a cultural city.

The commission director of culture John Omare said as the town gears towards attaining its city status, the creative industry should not be left behind.

RICH CREATIVITY

“Nakuru is the face of Kenya and with the rich creativity among the youth, the town can be transformed into a cultural city where they youth could explore themes such as peace, inclusivity and economic creativity and eradicate poverty among the youth,” said Mr Omare.

He said the youth in Nakuru are among the most vibrant in the creative industry in Kenya and most entertainment companies have tapped the talent from the cosmopolitan town.

 “The youth in Nakuru town do a lot and the vibrancy of cultural activities that are geared towards sustainable development and intercultural dialogue makes Nakuru qualify to be included in the global list of intercultural cities network,” said Mr Omare.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The official was speaking during a recent sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on the Unesco 2005 convention and the Unesco International Fund for Cultural Diversity at a Nakuru hotel.

He said 75per cent of the population in Kenya is made up of the youth who are the backbone of the economy.

 “Culture is the back bone of any meaningful development and creative industry could transform the social – economic landscape of this country if the youth make good use of their talents and get support from sound policies and legal framework,” said Mr Omare.

PROPOSALS

Mr Omare urged the creative industry in Nakuru to form groups and make proposals to the Kenya National Commission for Unesco to get funding to expand their creative activities.

“Kenya is required to submit at least four proposals to Unesco headquarters for consideration annually and the winning proposal stands to get Sh10 million funding,” said Mr Omare.

The workshop attracted more than 60 artistes and experts in the creative industry from all the 11 sub-counties in Nakuru County in a bid to promote diversity of cultural expression.