It is my great honour and pleasure to welcome you all to Meru County. I want to thank the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage for choosing Meru as the venue for the 92^nd Edition of the Kenya Music & Cultural Festival.

Meru has become one of the preferred destinations of important national events and conferences. In the recent past, we have successfully hosted National Madaraka Day Celebrations (1^st June 2018), the World Elephant Day Celebrations (11^th August 2018), and the annual Conference of Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices (12^th October 2018)

We are very happy to host this prestigious event. Do not take our traditional dances for granted. In the 1920s, the colonial government passed a law barring natives from excessive dancing and this is partly why we have not made effort in promoting our culture as a constitutional right. We are here not only to participate and enjoy our traditional dances, music and culture but also to discharge our constitutional mandate. Article 11 of the constitution recognizes culture as the foundation of this nation and the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people under the vision of one Kenya one people.

We should use music and dance to unite us with the rest of Kenyans such as Luo and Kamba because under Schedule 4 of the Constitution, it is the constitutional function of county governments to promote cultural activities and public entertainment. We provide entertainment in all national holidays. In Meru we have created the department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Culture and we have also formed a Meru County Cultural Board to advise and support the department in the discharge of this important mandate.

As required by article 6 of the constitution we shall work closely with the National Government on the basis of consultation and mutual cooperation to promote Kimeru culture, traditions, music and dances. The Meru county staff choir and many traditional dance groups and entertainers have continued to shine nationally bringing many trophies home and we shall continue supporting them to fly higher.

Our national heritage and culture is not merely music and dance; it defines our roots and direction.

Finally allow me to wish everyone a pleasant stay in Meru County. After the event, please do not be in a hurry to leave as there are several things to do in Meru. I invite you to stay longer and visit some of our first class tourists’ destinations including the Meru National Park, Lewa Conservancy, climb Mount Kenya, see tea farms or just sit around and chew miraa while admiring our nature.

Thank you and welcome to Meru County.