Culture
Trans Nzoia County Government has finally taken over full ownership and management of Kitale National Museum from the National Government.
While confirming the transition, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Stanley Kirui hailed the move explaining that it was long overdue.
He said that under local management, interests of the people of Trans Nzoia who enjoy diverse cultural backgrounds will be served, adding that it will help promote cultural preservation for posterity.
Following formalization of the transition process, Kirui stated the county will immediately embark on upgrading of the museum to better standards.
He added that staff rationalization and deployment is expected to be undertaken as he confirmed that some positions will be reevaluated and staff with specialized skills essential to the running of the museum will be retained.
The County Officer for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Jane Wachwenge said the move to delocalize ownership and management of the museum which opened doors in 1924 was not arbitrary. She said the move comes at the right time the county government has laid plans and emphasize on cultural preservation.
However, she moved to allay fears which has engulfed the 19 staff members, the county will place them on the payroll to ensure continuity and alignment to the broader goal of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. She added that the county has put in place plans to ensure that cultural homesteads are built within the museum’s premises to ensure the rich cultural heritage of the 42 tribes within the County are showcased.
“The transition will not only help transform the museum to a hub for cultural diversity, but it will also help boost tourism in a County known for its scenic beauty and historical significance,” she said. The Museum’s curator, Frederick Palapala described the transition as a promising moment saying that it provides an opportunity for the transformation of the institution to a beacon of cultural pride and historical awareness.