By: Lubnah Abdulhalim & Dennis Oduor

On the 22nd and 23rd of May, the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) staff came together at the Assembly Hall for yet another vibrant and memorable celebration of culture, values, and heritage. The second edition of the Cultural Festival, a key event in the university's calendar, was carefully organized by the Human Resource Office under the leadership of Mr. David Mwakidimi and a special planning committee, headed by Dr. Shivani Patel and Mr. Juma Wanyonyi.

The ceremony opened with a heartfelt prayer from the Taita community, grounding the event in tradition and reverence. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Prof. Peter Gichangi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension (DVC-ARE), Dr. Shivani Patel, Registrar for Administration and Planning, and Mr. Mwakidimi. Each speaker underscored the vital role of cultural diversity in shaping a cohesive and inclusive work environment. They emphasized that recognizing and celebrating our differences not only enriches our collective experience but also strengthens unity, mutual respect, and collaboration within the university community.

Day 1: United in Diversity: Honouring our Cultural Backgrounds.

The theme for the first day of the festival was "United in Diversity: Honouring our Cultural Backgrounds." This theme allowed staff from various ethnic communities to present their histories, explore rites of passage, display traditional artifacts, and engage in traditional social activities. The event featured 12 participating communities: Kikuyu, Swahili, Taita, Maasai, Abagusii, Mijikenda, Pokomo, Kamba, Kalenjin, Meru, Luo, and Luhya. 

As part of the competition, each community showcased aspects of their heritage. The Maasai donned shukas adorned with Nkataari and Enkarewa beads, resembling true Morans. The Mijikenda constructed their kayas ‘Uriri’ and 'Nyumba ya Koma,' which is a prayer house. The Akamba displayed a sculpture of the prominent Chief Kivoi alongside the elder Mutumia, while the Swahili community showcased their exquisite furniture, such as 'Kitanda cha Mpilipili' and 'Kiti Jeuri,' highlighting their lifestyle. 

Musical instruments were also featured, including the famous Isukuti and Indumba from the Luhya community, along with the Obokano from the Abagusii, Kithembe from the Akamba, among others. Cooking and storage equipment such as Chepungut and Burwet from the Kalenjin to the Omwonyoncho and Egesanda from the Abagusii to the Kinyaa and Ruhia by the Kikuyu did not miss out.

From the captivating journey of the Mijikenda people from Shungwaya to the establishment of the sacred kayas by nine children, to the profound legacy of the Njuri Ncheke, the traditional council of elders governing the Meru community, the hall resonated with powerful stories tracing Kenya’s diverse social, economic, and political histories.

In an interview, Mr. Mulomba Mwalukuku, a Technologist from the Civil Engineering Department, shared a fascinating burial tradition from the Taita community, which was unheard of to many. Long ago, when a righteous person passed away, a sharpened stone would be placed beneath the head of the deceased during burial. A year later, the grave would be reopened, and the stone, believed to have severed the head from the body, would have completed its symbolic task. The skull would then be placed in a sacred cave, alongside those of other revered ancestors. Through these remains, the community would offer prayers to their deity, Mulungu, honouring their departed and seeking spiritual guidance.

Ms. Ashura Salma from the Pokomo community could hardly contain her excitement about participating in the festival: “Pokomo is a minority group, not just here at TUM, but also in Kenya. We are often overlooked, and many people don’t know about our culture or even our contributions to the country. For example, most people don’t realize that the tune of the Kenyan National Anthem is derived from a Pokomo lullaby composed by a Pokomo elder, Mzee Galana Menza, who only received recognition late in his life. We also have a school called MauMau Girls Memorial, where there is a monument bearing the names of Mau Mau fighters who were slain. There are so many interesting things about our culture and history. That’s why it’s such an honour for us to showcase it and highlight it here today.” 

The first day of the festival ended on a high note, leaving attendees inspired by the rich tapestry of Kenya’s cultural heritage and eager for what lay ahead.

Day 2: Culture on a Plate

The second day kicked off with the theme “Culture on a Plate,” celebrating Kenya’s diverse culinary traditions. From the preparation of traditional dishes to storytelling through food, participants had the chance to taste, learn, and connect with the deep cultural meanings behind each meal.

The event culminated in a grand celebration attended by distinguished guests, led by Ms. Grace Katasi, a member of the TUM Council, who served as the Chief Guest. She was joined by fellow TUM Council members Ms. Rose Ndegwa, Mr. Stephen Musyoki, Mr. Muhammad Loo, and Dr. Asma Awadh. Also present was the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laila Abubakar, among other dignitaries.

The Chief Guest Ms Grace Katasi, officially opened the event with a few remarks that highlighted the spirit of the festival: “With over 600 staff members at TUM, today is more than just a fun event, it’s a reminder of our unity. Cultural Day isn’t just about the beautiful outfits or the delicious food, it’s about the stories, the traditions, and the journeys that make each of us unique.

We come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and dance to different rhythms, but today, all those differences blend into something truly powerful: togetherness.”

From the Kuon and Mbuta from the Luo land to the Rumonde and Mukinde by the Meru, to the Ngwaci and Njahi by the Kikuyu, to the Msenye and Ingoho by the Luhya, to the mkate wa sinia and Samaki wa kupaka by the Swahili, the Judges and guests got not just to taste but experience the authentic cultures on a plate.

Ms. Halima Allahdad, a lecturer and Chair of the Swahili Community, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity: “The authentic Swahili culture, like many of our African cultures, is gradually fading due to Western influences. Today, we rely on ready-made items, coconut milk, for example, now comes in packaged powder or liquid form, changing the original taste of our dishes. Ironically, while we neglect our heritage, Westerners are the ones embracing and preserving it. If we don’t act now, future generations will be disconnected from their roots. How do you explain grating a coconut with a mbuzi (a traditional coconut grater) to a child who only knows a mbuzi as a goat? Traditional practices like kukuna nazi (grating coconut) and using the kifumbu (woven coconut strainer) are being replaced by blenders, and these customs are quietly disappearing along with important pieces of our identity.” Ms Halima added that the festival served as a timely reminder of the need to preserve and appreciate such cultural practices before they are lost entirely, providing a rare and valuable moment of reflection for those present.

Afterwards, everyone gathered in the assembly hall for an entertaining and energetic display of traditional dances from various Kenyan communities. The atmosphere was electric as rhythmic drumbeats, colourful costumes, and spirited movements brought the space to life. Each performance offered a glimpse into the unique heritage, storytelling, and values of the respective communities. Among the highlights of the evening, the Pokomo community especially captivated the audience with their thrilling dance.

Awards Ceremony

Following the performances, the event's adjudicators, Dr. Samuel Kwaye from the Hotel Industry, Miss Priscilla Kathusi from Maseno University, and Mbashir Shambi, the Director of Arts at the Little Theatre Club, shared their feedback and insights about the entire experience. They then announced the winners in various categories as follows: 

The Overall Winners:

1. Mijikenda
2. Meru
3. Luhya

Original Culture:

1. Meru
2. Taita
3. Kamba

Best Dance: 

1. Pokomo
2. Luhya
3. Mijikenda

Best Costume:

1. Swahili
2. Mijikenda
3. Kisii

Culture on a Plate:

1. Mijikenda
2. Pokomo
3. Swahili

Artefacts Presentation:

1. Swahili
2. Mijikenda
3. Luhya

Most Promising: 

1. Kikuyu
2. Luo

• Adjudicator’s Award: Maasai
• Special Award: Kalenjin
• Most Disciplined: Kalenjin
• Most Prolific: Mijikenda
• Most Authentic: Swahili

All communities were praised for their exceptional commitment, creativity, and spirit and the winners were given trophies. The festival concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mr. John Ogwang, who expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, organizers, participants, and judges. A closing prayer by the Meru community brought the two-day celebration to an end, leaving a legacy of unity, pride, and cultural awakening.