Sports and Culture Committee Asks Bomas of Kenya to Embrace Cuktural Tourism as a Way of Self Sustainability
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture inspected the Bomas of Kenya Cultural Centre in Karen Nairobi as part of its oversight mandate.
The Committee, led by the Vice Chair Hon. James Wamacukuru (Kabete), conducted the inspection visit to evaluate the progress made in its rehabilitation efforts. The State Department of Culture was allocated additional funds during last year’s Supplementary budget, and the Committee was keen to assess how these funds were utilized.
Additionally, the Committee was also keen to explore the opportunities that the department can make use of to benefit from the preservation of our culture.
The Committee members collectively commended Ms Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Ms Ummi Mohammed, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Culture, and Mr Peter Gitaa, the CEO of Bomas of Kenya, for their commendable work in restoring the centre. They recognized the centre as a crucial element in preserving our national identity.
During their remarks, the legislators also urged the Ministry and Department boards to find more effective ways of integrating culture into Kenya’s vibrant tourism programs. They emphasized the potential for generating revenue through appropriation in aid (A-in-a) as a means of achieving self-sustainability.
“How do you market yourself? Are you connected to the companies hosting tourists? Are you part of the marketing system of the country? Because Bomas of Kenya is the gateway to knowing the culture of Kenya.” Posed Hon. Jackson Kosgei (Nominated).
Other issues raised during the visit included the debt owed by the departments and the importance of promoting our culture for future generations.
Members present included; Hon. Catherine Omanyo (Busia), Hon Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Hon. Nabuin Ekwom (Turkana North), Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), Hon. Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Hon. Jackson Kosgei (Nominated) and Hon. Gonzi Rai (Kinango).
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