Kenya pledges Sh130m to Africa’s heritage preservation

By PSCU

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Kenya has pledged Sh130 million to support the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF).

Making the pledge, President Uhuru Kenyatta commended the role played by the Fund in promoting and preserving the continent’s unique heritage saying African countries should create a good environment for cultural innovation and development.

“Our heritage remains our pride and legacy.  I therefore invite you to also consider contributing financially to the cause of the Fund,” he said.

The President was speaking during the AWHF meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said Kenya is proud to be part of the African World Heritage Fund family which champions for the protection of the continent’s unique heritage.

Noting that UNESCO has identified six world heritage sites in Kenya, the President acknowledged the role played by the AWHF in registering those sites on the world heritage list.

“These are the Lake Turkana National Park, Lamu old town, Mount Kenya National Park, the Mijikenda sacred forests, Fort Jesus and Kenya’s lake system in the Great Rift Valley,” the President said.
He disclosed that through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, the Kenya Government will continue supporting the activities of the Fund on the continent.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma accepted a request for his country to host the African World Heritage Fund on behalf of the continent. He pledged $1 million (Kshs 86 million) to support the Fund as part of South Africa’s commitment to ensuring the Fund’s success in promoting continental heritage.