'Isukuti' dance is now a world heritage.

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This is after best Isukuti dancers from Shinyalu and Ikolomani in Kakamega county were feted with UNESCO inscription certificates and cash donated by the Kakamega County and national government. 

The dancers were recognised at Bukhungu Stadium during celebrations to mark the World Cultural Day under the theme: "World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development."

In his keynote address, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya urged communities in Kakamega to embrace progressive culture and discard traditional practices that were counter-productive to social cohesion and societal values. 

He gave Sh100,000 each to Matende and Emachina Isukuti Groups, an amount that was matched by the national government totalling Shs400,000.

 The representative of the Paris-based Director General of UNESCO, Dr. Evangeline Njoka presented inscription certificates to the groups. 

Noting that Kakamega County was endowed with diverse and rich culture, ethnic groups and natural resources, Oparanya said "my government is committed to unity in diversity as a key catalyst to building strong bridges for dialogue, peace and sustainable development."

The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Heritage, Josephata Mukobe represented Cabinet Secretary Rashid Mohammed Echesa at the event on Monday. 

She said the Ministry would set aside Sh100 billion for identification and upgrading at least two heritage sites per county in the next financial year.