The Culture Division

Welcome to the Culture Division of Kilifi County’s Department of Gender, Youth, and Social Services. Our division is committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kilifi County. We recognize the power of culture in shaping identity, fostering social cohesion, and driving economic development. Through our initiatives, we strive to ensure that our diverse cultural practices are recognized, respected, and passed on to future generations.

Mandates and Key Initiatives
1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage

One of our primary mandates is to safeguard the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Kilifi County. We are dedicated to protecting the unique traditions, languages, arts, and historical sites that define our identity and contribute to the richness of our community.

Key Initiatives

Documentation and Archiving:

We undertake extensive efforts to document and archive traditional knowledge, oral histories, and cultural practices. This ensures that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations and can be accessed by researchers, educators, and the community.
Protection of Historical Sites:

We work closely with local communities and national heritage organizations to protect and restore historical sites across Kilifi County. These sites are vital to our collective memory and serve as educational resources and tourist attractions.
Promotion of Indigenous Languages:

We support initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous languages spoken in Kilifi County. This includes developing educational materials, organizing language workshops, and collaborating with schools to integrate indigenous languages into the curriculum.
Cultural Festivals and Events:

We organize and support cultural festivals, exhibitions, and events that showcase the diverse traditions, arts, and crafts of Kilifi County. These events provide a platform for cultural exchange, celebration, and the promotion of local artisans and performers.
2. Promotion of Arts and Creative Industries

The Culture Division is committed to nurturing and promoting the arts and creative industries as a means of self-expression, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange. We believe that the creative sector has the potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance the cultural vibrancy of our county.

Key Initiatives

Support for Local Artists:

We provide support to local artists, musicians, and performers through grants, training, and opportunities for exposure. Our goal is to create an enabling environment where creative talent can thrive and contribute to the local economy.
Art and Craft Centers:

We have established art and craft centers where artisans can hone their skills, access resources, and showcase their work. These centers serve as hubs of creativity and innovation, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.
Creative Arts Education:

We work with schools and educational institutions to integrate arts education into the curriculum, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to explore and develop their creative talents. We also offer scholarships and mentorship programs for aspiring artists.
Cultural Tourism Development: We promote cultural tourism by developing and marketing cultural attractions, including traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and heritage tours. This not only preserves our culture but also provides economic opportunities for local communities.
3. Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion

Our division is dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and fostering social cohesion in Kilifi County. We believe that by embracing our differences and celebrating our shared values, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Key Initiatives

Intercultural Dialogue and Exchange:

We facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange programs that bring together different ethnic and cultural groups within Kilifi County. These initiatives promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, helping to bridge divides and strengthen community bonds.
Inclusive Cultural Policies:

We advocate for and support the development of inclusive cultural policies that recognize and respect the cultural rights of all communities. This includes ensuring that marginalized and minority groups have a voice in cultural decision-making processes.
Community-Based Cultural Projects:

We collaborate with community organizations to implement cultural projects that address social issues such as conflict resolution, gender equality, and youth engagement. These projects use culture as a tool for social change and community development.
Celebration of National and International Cultural Days:

We organize events to celebrate national and international cultural days, such as World Culture Day and International Mother Language Day. These events raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and provide a platform for cultural expression and celebration.
4. Integration of Culture in Development

The Culture Division recognizes the integral role of culture in sustainable development. We work to integrate cultural considerations into the planning and implementation of development initiatives across Kilifi County, ensuring that cultural values and practices are respected and leveraged for positive change.

Key Initiatives

Cultural Impact Assessments:

We conduct cultural impact assessments as part of the planning process for development projects. These assessments help identify potential impacts on cultural heritage and guide the implementation of measures to mitigate negative effects.
Cultural Entrepreneurship:

We promote cultural entrepreneurship by supporting businesses that are rooted in cultural traditions, such as traditional crafts, music, and cuisine. Our programs provide training, access to markets, and financial support to cultural entrepreneurs.
Cultural Resource Management:

We work with local authorities and development partners to manage and utilize cultural resources in a sustainable manner. This includes promoting responsible tourism, preserving natural and cultural landscapes, and ensuring that cultural resources are protected for future generations.
Public Awareness and Education:

We engage in public awareness campaigns and educational programs to highlight the importance of culture in development. Our goal is to foster a greater appreciation of cultural heritage and encourage its integration into community and economic development strategies.
5. Gender and Culture

Our division is committed to promoting gender equality within the cultural sector. We work to ensure that cultural practices and traditions are aligned with the principles of gender equity and that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from cultural activities.

Key Initiatives

Gender-Sensitive Cultural Programs:

We design and implement cultural programs that promote the empowerment of women and girls. This includes supporting female artists and cultural practitioners, as well as challenging harmful cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality.
Cultural Education and Gender Awareness:

We integrate gender awareness into cultural education programs, teaching both men and women about the importance of gender equality in cultural contexts. Our programs aim to change attitudes and behaviors that reinforce gender disparities.
Advocacy for Gender-Equitable Cultural Policies:

We advocate for the development and implementation of cultural policies that promote gender equality. This includes ensuring that cultural institutions and organizations adopt gender-sensitive practices and that women are represented in cultural leadership positions.
Partnerships for Gender and Culture

We collaborate with gender-focused organizations and cultural institutions to advance gender equality within the cultural sector. These partnerships enable us to amplify our impact and reach more communities with gender-equitable cultural initiatives.
Join Us in Celebrating Our Culture

At the Culture Division, we are passionate about preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Kilifi County. Our work is driven by the belief that culture is a powerful force for social cohesion, economic development, and individual empowerment. We invite you to join us in celebrating our culture, supporting our artists, and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our community.