CS Miano Hails Ura Gate Festival as Driver of Culture, Conservation and Tourism
0
0
By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has lauded the Ura Gate Cultural Festival in Tharaka-Nithi County as a powerful tool for unity, conservation, and economic growth.
Speaking Thursday at the event, held at the eastern gate of Meru National Park, Miano urged counties to develop annual festival calendars to allow early marketing to domestic and international tourists.
“The Ura Gate Festival is more than a celebration of heritage; it is a living bridge between our traditions and our shared future,” she told the gathering, which brought together communities from Tharaka, Chuka, Mwimbi, Muthambi, Igembe, Kamba, Borana and Munyuyaya.
This year’s theme, “Embracing Culture as a Tool for Wildlife Conservation & Socio-Economic Development,” reflects national goals of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
Miano said the festival supports the economy through homestays, handicrafts, and agrotourism, protects heritage by safeguarding sacred sites and fostering human–wildlife coexistence, and drives tourism by combining cultural immersion with wildlife experiences.
She cited recent government action in Meru and Tharaka-Nithi, where KSh 37 million was paid to families affected by wildlife incidents, and highlighted the launch of a national strategy to protect the rare pancake tortoise found in the region.
Miano praised President William Ruto’s leadership, crediting him for tourism growth in recent years, and placed the Ura Gate Festival alongside the Lake Turkana Festival, Lamu Cultural Festival, and International Camel Derby as a signature national attraction.
About The Author
