Kisii University students have been urged to compose and embrace their communities' folk songs to preserve indigenous culture.
The overzealous adaption of Western music has been identified as a threat to traditional music through which intrinsic cultural elements of Kenyan communities is preserved.
Vice-Chancellor Prof John Akama has lamented that local music and folk songs are on the verge of extinction if the young generation doesn't appreciate their communities unique cultures and preserve them.
Speaking on Thursday at the university during the fourth day of the annuals Culture Week, Akama encouraged young people from various ethnic backgrounds to learn traditional music.
"Traditional folk songs and dances not only entertain members but also educate young people on their communities' history and cultural values," he said.
The vice-chancellor challenged the youth to promote their communities' cultural identities and values through composing traditional songs and dances as an effort to continue their communities' cultural values.
He says anyone who does not appreciate their cultural identity is lost and lacks moral standing in the society.
"I am encouraging our youth to compose and embrace their ethnic communities' folk songs as part of identifying with their communities' unique cultural values and identity," said Akama.