The Culture Bill 2024 sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah has undergone the first reading in the National Assembly.

The Bill seeks to give effect to Article 11 (3) (a) of the Constitution to provide for the protection and promotion of Culture and the Cultural Heritage of Communities.

Article 11 (1) of the Constitution dictates that Culture forms the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and the nation. Clause 2 (b) further provides that for the nation to develop, the role of science and indigenous technologies must be recognized.

The Culture Bill 2024 provides for the management of culture in Kenya and breaks down the functions of both the National Government and the County Governments. 

It also provides for the establishment of a cultural database, access to information relating to the management of culture in Kenya, compensation to individuals, groups or communities for the use of cultural properties, research into culture and cultural heritage and the registration of cultural properties.

If enacted,  endangered communities, cultures, cultural expressions and indigenous technologies will be recognised, promoted and protected by public entities

The Bill also addresses the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which outlines and distinguishes the functions between the National Government and County Governments as cultural activities are a devolved function of County Governments. 

This Bill comes after Parliament recently ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, joining a global fight against illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts.