The Trans-Nzoia County Government has taken over the management of the Kitale Museum following the formal signing of an Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement (IPA) between the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and the county government.
Trans-Nzoia became the first county to take over management of the 33-acre museum complex.
Speaking after the formal signing of the agreement, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeja welcomed the transfer of museum functions to the county, saying it was a major milestone after 10 years of devolution.
Mr Natembeya praised the efforts of the Provincial Department of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee in facilitating this transition and called on the national government to provide the necessary resources to support the county in its new role.
Principal Secretary of Cultural Heritage, Umi Bashir, assured stakeholders that the transfer of the management of the museum to the county government will not disrupt its current operations.
She reaffirmed her determination to uphold the mission of managing the museum as provided by law and in accordance with the instructions of the President, as outlined in the 10th Summit Resolution.
Bashir also revealed that the National Museums of Kenya is in the process of transferring museum functions to six other counties, underscoring its commitment to local autonomy and participation while ensuring the integrity and continuity of cultural institutions. .
IGRTC Chairman Kichinji Kiragu stressed the importance of the ongoing verification workshop to ensure seamless transition of responsibilities and resources in line with constitutional provisions.
Mr. Kiragu also noted the recent successful transfer of 61 library functions and cited the state Department of Culture, Arts, and Heritage's commitment to upholding its constitutional obligation to delegate functions to counties.
Decentralization Chief Secretary Teresia Mbaika reiterated the importance of cooperation between different levels of government in spearheading the development process.
Mr Mbaika emphasized the importance of synergy between national and county governments in promoting socio-economic progress and ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level.
Located in the heart of Kitale town, the Kitale Museum boasts a rich collection of artifacts representing various Kenyan tribes, including the Luhya, Maasai and Turkana.
Additionally, the museum's nature trail behind the main building serves as a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna, including Nile crocodiles, leopards, turtles, and venomous snakes.
