President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to safeguard the country’s rich cultural heritage while turning it into a driver for jobs and tourism.
He made the call on Tuesday at the ninth Tobong’u Lore Festival in Lodwar, Turkana County.
Speaking to a crowd of elders, cultural leaders, and tourists, Ruto said cultural heritage should benefit the people and the nation.
“By using our traditions to boost tourism and integrate indigenous knowledge into climate action, we can create jobs and protect the environment,” he said.
The President also highlighted the government’s plans for the Home of Humankind project.
The initiative will feature a world-class human origins museum and a science park, aiming to turn Turkana into a global hub for research, tourism, and investment.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai welcomed the project, saying it would open opportunities for education, jobs, and sustainable development in the region.
The festival showcased traditional dances, crafts, and rituals, reflecting the vibrancy of Turkana’s culture.
Ruto encouraged stakeholders, including the private sector and development partners, to work together to preserve Kenya’s traditions and use them for economic growth.
The President’s message positioned Kenya’s cultural heritage as both a national treasure and a tool for progress, linking tourism, science, and climate action in one vision for the future.