REMARKS OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CUK’S CULTURAL WEEK ON 12TH MARCH, 2018 AT 2.00PM
Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic affairs, Prof. Emily Akuno
Deputy vice Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof. Esther Magiri
Deputy Vice Chancellor CDR&I, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo
Members of the University Management Board,
Members of staff
Students’ leaders
Students
Ladies and gentlemen,
This afternoon marks the start of a week-long celebrations of our culture as the family of The Co-operative University of Kenya. Culture is an important aspect of our lives. I am happy to note the improved version of our cultural celebrations at the University; previously, we have celebrated our culture in a day and this has been quite inadequate. It is our sincere hope that we will celebrate in a civilized manner to the end.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The University Management is committed to making greater efforts in future to make these celebrations bigger and better. By having a week-long event, this shows the value we are placing these celebrations in our academic calendar. I know the planers of the event have made significant efforts to make this day a success. I take this opportunity to recognize their efforts.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year’s theme of our cultural day is ‘Our Diversity, Our Unity’ the theme is well chosen to rhyme with the activities lined up for the week. Furthermore, this comes barely some few months after a divisive electoral period for our Nation. The nation is healing and we are getting stronger together.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me at this moment to recognize various stakeholders who have supported this event by a way of sponsorship. Kenya Films Classification Board, K-unity Sacco, Smart Applications, the Karen ward MCA Hon. Mberia, The Students’ Governing Council and the Sian roses; We are truly indebted to you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been argued that culture is the dress of life and the beauty of our identity as human beings. However, most of the time, culture as a concept is misunderstood and misused by humanity especially among the African societies; I appeal to you as the society’s elite to provide guidance on the benefits of our diverse cultures in our society.
Our dear students,
None of us is born with culture; instead we are born in a cultural world. I call upon all of us to embrace positive aspects of our culture to the end. We have about 44 ethnic groups in Kenya with diverse and different cultures; none of these is superior. Every culture has its dynamics. This makes Kenya beautiful and magical Kenya.
Aspects of our culture including our foods, our languages, music, our natural heritages, historical facts and stories, our day-today economic activities define who we are. Ladies and gentlemen, these facets of our culture both tangible and intangible are the cornerstone of our nation building; we use them to reconstruct and soothe the soul of our Nation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Culture can also be used to deconstruct a nation and societies. No community’s culture is superior to the other. When our forefathers initiated our practices, they had ideas and reasons why. I wish to encourage all of us to use the lessons of our culture to live in harmony with one another.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As I conclude, let’s go back to the basic of our culture. All of our cultures are strong in morality, strong behaviors, strong friendships and strong family values. I have not seen a culture that entertains moral decadence, drug and substance abuse among others.
Ladies and gentlemen, with those few remarks, I declare this cultural week officially open.
God Bless you all.
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