By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, December 7 2025 - The government is banking on a new Virtual Exhibition Platform to strengthen cultural preservation and drive the growth of Kenya’s creative economy, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said.
Addressing thousands of cultural performers and community leaders in Nanyuki town during the Umoja Laikipia Cultural Unity Festival and the launch of the Olkereti album, Ms Miano said the platform – set for commissioning next week – will play a central role in documenting, showcasing and commercializing Kenyan heritage.
Unlike previous government interventions that focused largely on live performances and physical events, the new platform will provide a permanent digital archive where artists, cultural groups, artisans and creative entrepreneurs can exhibit their work to global audiences.
“This platform revolutionizes how Kenya markets its culture and identity,” the CS said. “Artists and communities will have a global stage to amplify their stories, their traditions and their economic opportunities.”
Developed under the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) initiative, the platform will host virtual booths, performances, product catalogues and cultural exhibitions, ensuring visibility for communities that are often underrepresented in mainstream spaces.
Ms Miano said empowering cultural practitioners is not only about entertainment but also about strengthening social cohesion and supporting conservation efforts. She noted that cultural expression plays a crucial role in shaping national unity and protecting natural heritage.
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Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) chairman Ndiritu Muriithi said the initiative responds to a growing need to invest in local talent, adding that cultural industries have the potential to create long-term jobs while safeguarding Kenya’s identity.
Former National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo echoed these sentiments, describing the platform as a “historic step” in amplifying the voices of the Maa community and other pastoralist cultures that have long been marginalized.
Kaparo urged the government to pair its cultural investments with broader development interventions in pastoral counties to fully unlock their potential.
This year’s Umoja Laikipia Cultural Unity Festival brought together elders, creatives and cultural champions from Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, Narok, Kajiado, Turkana, Meru, Marsabit and Nairobi counties for a celebration of Maa culture, unity and artistic expression.
