DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | MAA CULTURAL WEEK 2025
Day 1 of Maa Cultural Week kicked off yesterday with Maape Emposel leading the celebrations in true cultural spirit. From vibrant songs and dances to powerful messages on heritage, unity, and pride,
Photos: Photos: Mayian Fm, 100.7
The Art of the Bead: Witnessing the intricate skill of precision, patience, pride, and dedication that goes into every piece of Maasai jewellery. Each bead tells a story, carefully strung to preserve generations of artistry and heritage. Watching these creations come to life at the festival is nothing short of mesmerizing.
#TembeaKenya
#MaaCulturalWeek2025 #Maasinta_Ai_Olkerreti_Lang'
#TwendeAmboseli
The appalling assault of a woman in Mbene, Ngarite area of Narok Central Sub-County as captured in disturbing footage is a shocking act of brutality that has no place in our country. It is a grave violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of every Kenyan
I unequivocally condemn this crime. Gender-based violence is intolerable and will be prosecuted with the full force of the law.
I commend the swift action taken by the National Police Service in rescuing the survivor and for the progress already made which has led to an arrest .
The Ministry stands unwavering in its resolve to end gender-based violence in all its forms . We will continue to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability measures to ensure that every person regardless of gender or age is safeguarded from violence.
This afternoon at State House, I joined Her Excellency the First Lady @MamaRachelRuto in a high-level stakeholder engagement on addressing the triple threat of HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence.
I reaffirmed the Ministryβs commitment to strengthening child protection systems, advancing gender equality and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of every adolescent in Kenya.
We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to close existing gaps, leverage the expertise of community health promoters and ensure a coordinated national response.
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β Landmark Milestone : USHANGA KENYA is transitioning into a social enterprise, ensuring sustainability and expanded opportunities for women artisans.
β Womenβs Empowerment: The shift is a transformative milestone that secures protections (IP rights, geographical identification) and provides benefits such as market access and subsidized raw materials for artisans .
β Government Alignment: The initiative supports the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by placing women at the center of cultural preservation, entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
β Technical Transition Committee: Directed the formulation of a technical Transition Committee chaired by PS Anne Wang'ombe to oversee the transition process.
Chaired the 15th Ushanga Steering Committee Meeting, which was attended by @UmmiMBashir (State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage @PsgAnneWangombe (State Department for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action) PS John Ololtua (State Department for Tourism) , the representatives from the Ministry of Cooperatives , Chairperson of the Ushanga Initiative, Mrs. Hellen Nkaissery, Ushanga CEO, Ms. Dorothy Mashipei and other senior officials from the Ministry.
Our deliberations focused on the transition of Ushanga Kenya into a Social Enterprise, a strategic shift that will strengthen its sustainability and expand opportunities for women across the country. This transition represents a major milestone and a transformative victory for the women who have dedicated themselves to this craft working bead after bead, year after year, preserving our cultural heritage through their artistry. The transition will ensure critical protections and opportunities including intellectual property protection, geographical identification, enhanced market linkages and provision of raw materials at subsidized prices.
I directed the formulation of a technical transition committee to be chaired by PS Anne Wang'ombe to guide the Transition of Ushanga Kenya into a social enterprise.
This transformation aligns with the Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by ensuring that women are placed at the center of cultural preservation, entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
The Committee approved the 2025/2026 Workplan, which outlines key priorities to enhance product competitiveness in both local and international markets. We also reviewed progress on flagship projects, all of which are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding Kenya's cultural heritage.
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Beadwork is more than a tradition in Narok itβs a vital source of income for many women, especially within the Maasai Mara ecosystem. This craft not only preserves cultural heritage but also plays a key role in supporting the regionβs tourism and local economies.
Today, I had the honor of accompanying H.E President William Ruto as he launched the construction of the Kes. 120Million Sekenani Bead Production Centre. This transformative project will provide a structured space for artisans, enhance their skills and open up new markets for their beautiful creations.
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Today, at Imbirikani in Kajiado County, the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service, Prof. @ErustusKanga, officially launched the registration phase of the Ushanga Innovation Resource Centres (UIRC) project, targeting women from Imbirikani, Kuku, Kuku-A, and Rombo group ranches.
#TunzaMaliYako #ExploreKenyaParks
This transformative initiative, under the Chyulu Hills REDD+ Carbon Project, aims to empower approximately 10,000 women by commercializing beadworkβa significant element of Maasai cultural heritage.
By blending culture, conservation, and innovation, the project is unlocking economic opportunities, restoring dignity, and inspiring a renewed sense of purpose among women who are vital pillars of their communities.
#TunzaMaliYako #ExploreKenyaParks
Ladies Neckpiece- Osigili Oishu Women Group - Kiserian
Namayiana Cooperative - Ewaso
Omom Ekal Self- Help Group - Ngong
Nasaru Women Group - Ngong
Ladies Bracelets- Osiligi Oishu Women Group - Kiserian
Nanyorrai Women Group - Oldonyio
As these magnificent pieces make their way to Paris, we hope they inspire and captivate the world, just as they have inspired us. We wish the athletes the best of luck as they compete on the world stage, carrying with them a piece of Kenya's rich cultural tapestry.
The artistry of these pastoralist women is not just a showcase of skill, but a celebration of their journeyβa journey from the heart of Kenya to the global spotlight. In this moment, tradition transforms into triumph, and every bead becomes a symbol pride.