The 4th edition of the Kisii University’s cultural week kicked off on Monday at the main campus grounds. However, the weeklong event has elicited different reactions from students following a policy of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on tribal associations in universities.
The commission banned the tribal associations on grounds that they were breeding grounds for ethnicity. During the previous cultural events, tribal associations from communities such as the Agikuyu, Abagusii, Abakuria, Abaluhya, Kalenjin, Luo, among other tribes, were allowed to showcase their culture.
This year’s cultural week at the university has been held uniquely, with an international poetry festival being held alongside the event. Some of the university students seemed to have not welcomed the new turn of events.
“The cultural week could have been lively if cultural villages would have been accommodated. This is because we get to learn different cultures in Kenya,” said Fredrick Owino, a third-year student.
Donald Ombonya said that tribal associations should be allowed in universities so as to preserve cultural heritage.
“If we do not practice our different cultures in the university, then our different cultures will diminish,” commented Ombonya.
The cultural week is set to end on Friday. A series of events including artists and poets from international level will perform within the timeline.