A university don has called for nurturing of a collective cultural trait and tradition in the country in order to cultivate national unity and peaceful coexistence among Kenyans. Dr.William Wafula, who teachers literature and linguistics at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in Egerton University, said this while delivering a public lecture at Njoro Boys High School. His lecture was titled: ‘The Creation of National Culture through the Integration of Local Languages and Traditions’. The don observed that the rich cultural traits and languages across the country can be integrated into one through efforts of local scholars, community based and national leaders among other stakeholders to nurture a national culture and tradition that can help in building regional and national unity. “Although we seem to be different in terms of ethnic backgrounds, our common heritage is one and that is Kenyan nationhood. We should therefore explore ways of merging our cultural traits including languages and traditions to make a one people of Kenya. This move can play a big role in creating harmony and coexistence in our country,’’ he said. According to him, the failure by cultural scholars, government and political leaders in the country to formulate ways of nurturing a national culture and tradition was to blame for tribalism and constant clashes among various ethnic communities that share borders. He advised the youth in the country to practice intermarriage, movement and settlement in diverse parts as this also will in future help curb tribalism and create a common cultural heritage. At the same time the don observed that Swahili language and Sheng slang that is popular among the youth in the country are key towards integrating local languages and cultures that can unite Kenyans.

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