The cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Hon. Peninah Malonza, has expressed the need for African nations to come together in the critical fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Speaking when she joined delegates from 13 African countries and UNESCO Regional office to officially open a sub-regional workshop for Eastern Africa the CS said while the wars and COVID 19 pandemic worsened, illicit trafficking in cultural property in the Eastern Africa region, there is global discourse on restitution of lost cultural property and Kenya is part of this conversation.
“It has become essential for African nations to come together in this endeavor. My Ministry recognizes the role and importance of engaging African governments as proponents of this Convention and pledges its active participation in this critical fight,” said CS Malonza.
CS Malonza said her Ministry is keen on ensuring that robust preventive measures are put in place and that she will engage in inter-regional and international co-operation to put a stop to the illicit trade.
“Kenya has documented slightly over 32,000 objects in museums and heritage institutions based in Europe and North America. My Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament to make sure that cultural objects that left the country illegally are returned,” she said.
The CS also added that her Ministry will work closely with communities to identify what has been stolen. In working with communities, special attention will be given to the younger generation to help them understand the importance of cultural heritage and its role in sustainable development.
CS Malonza also noted that, her Ministry together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close partnership with international organizations like UNESCO has submitted to the National Assembly of Kenya a Memorandum on the ratification of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on The Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
“My Ministry is following up closely and diligently to ensure that this process is completed, and for our country to soon join the 143 State Parties to this important UNESCO Convention and adding it to the 5 UNESCO Conventions Kenya has already ratified,” she said.
The capacity building workshop is very timely in raising awareness on the importance of protecting our cultural property against the illicit trafficking. It will also empower and equip Kenya to strengthen her contribution to the realization of the Africa Union Agenda 2063, whose aspiration is “Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values, and ethics.”
The CS also made an appeal to the participants attending the workshop from other countries, to help market Kenya’s culture, visit our museums and our beautiful city of Nairobi, the only city in the world with a National Park.