In a move to empower local youths and promote talent, the County Government of Nakuru will henceforth hire the services of local artists in all its events and branding activities.
The CEC for Youth, Gender, Culture, Sports and Social Welfare Ms Halima Gababa said the move is way to build the county economically through a ‘buy Nakuru, build Nakuru’ concept.
The CEC said the County has many opportunities to empower the local youth but due to lack of unity among artists and registered companies, their share goes to other people.
Ms Gababa was speaking when she officially opened a temporary visual art workshop at the former Provincial headquarters premises where artists can paint and exhibit their work.
“My office in collaboration with other ministries is working to have a permanent workshop and gallery where the youth can carry out their work to earn a living,” said Ms Gababa.
She said that will help artists come together and share ideas and experiences.
“We always have money events that demand creative minds for branding such as international days celebrations as well as other local events. That’s where you belong,” she said.
While addressing artists drawn from the Sumbi Crafts, Jawabu and a number of solo artists, the CEC said the County would push for local youths to showcase their work in the county exhibitions and outside.
As a start, the over 15 artists joined brush strokes to draw a wall-size mural that they said portrayed the County’s diverse rich culture.
County cultural activities Coordinator Ms Dorcas Ondege said the initiative was timely as her ministry was reaching out to all visual artists in the County.
“When the artists from diverse cultures come together, cohesion will grow and eventually have a non-tribal generation,” Ms Ondege noted.
The Njoro-based Sumbi Crafts founder Mr Shadrack Musyoki said their work will help showcase and market Nakuru County to the outside world.