NGPU April 15, 2024

Nakuru County embracing the fusion of culture and commerce.

Written by Jeremy Ogolla

The County Government of Nakuru partnership with Nakuru Players Theatre held an exhibition
to showcase the role of culture in economic development during this year’s World Art Day.

Cultural entrepreneurship is an emerging discipline that examines how cultural products such as art, theatre, and literature and cultural activities like sports, music, food, and film events have an impact on the growth of local, national, and global economies.

The exhibition provided a comprehensive range of one-stop extension services focusing on environmental conservation, value addition, and showcasing traditions by various tribes to enhance Nakuru’s cultural diversity.

Among the exhibitors was Mari-Lisa the founder of Oh Honey who has started a program dubbed ‘Project Bar’ that trains youths, women and persons with disability on how to be sustainable beekeepers

This is aimed at mitigating youth unemployment within the County.

Oh Honey, has developed value-added products with honey and beeswax, that use locally sourced ingredients for making products such as beeswax lip balm, honey soap and honey jam.

“We sell raw organic honey. We also do value addition so we have an array of products like lip balms, chocolate infused with honey instead of sugar, body butter and candles made from beehive waste,” said Lisa.

Having won an international accolade dubbed ‘We Do Kenya Award’ the organization is hinting at ways to best tap into the local potential. This according to Lisa can be best achieved through a partnership with the County Government of Nakuru.

“We prefer to partner with the County Government of Nakuru where they can procure the purchase of our bee-keeping equipment as we offer the training to young people, women and even unemployed men,” she observed.

Another exhibitor, Sheila Wanjiku, the founder of ‘Sheila Creation’ is displaying gold necklaces, gemstone bracelets, wedding rings, pen holders, and chains that are available at any gold shop. The products are made from recycled jewellery crafts.

“My jewellery craft has helped many to stay on trend without breaking the bank. Wearable recycled crafts are an awesome way to save some cash while saving the earth. Instead of tossing that plastic in the trash bin, turn it into the latest jewellery trend,” said Sheila.

Sheila holds that anyone can make a beautiful bead necklace, calling on Nakuru residents to turn would-be garbage into glamorous accessories and make something unique.

“So save some green while you go green with these Earth-friendly, recycled jewellery crafts, “adds Sheila.

The celebration was marked with pomp and colour to showcase the rich cultural diversity of Nakuru with various presentations across local languages to signify its cosmopolitan nature. The speeches, songs and dances rented the air as the audience resorted to a hilarious and jubilation mood.

A group of tall and statuesque dancers sheathed in bright pink clothes, meticulously displayed their dances move.