234. The Department of Culture has undertaken several programmatic initiatives including the construction of 16 community cultural centres, with a budgetary allocation of Kshs 294,355,000 over five years since 2009. When fully operational, these centres are expected to provide full and sustained support for the development of the diverse cultural expressions in the country and Supporting Arts exhibitions for non-educational institutions and for cultural practitioners including exchange programmes for poor rural schools. 235. The Department of Culture also coordinates about 50 Community Cultural Festivals annually in various regions of the country in partnership with local communities including the marginalised and people with disabilities. These programmes act as avenues for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage as well as facilitating participants in enjoying their cultural life and building national cohesion and integration. 236. After the ratification of the 2003 and 2005 UNESCO Conventions on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention on Preservation and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Department of Culture has initiated community projects on safeguarding of the traditions and practices associated with several communities. The traditions of the Miji Kenda community, the Isikhuti Dance among the Luhya, the rites of passage among the Maasai and the skills of the Wamunyu wood carvers among the Kamba are some of the unique cultures which will be safeguarded under UNESCO funding. Administrative and other measures 237. The Department of Culture has supported the setting up of Communities’ cultural and language committees. These Committees coordinate the recording of cultural music and cultural exchange programs. They are also in charge of community cultural centers and festivals. The Department also sensitizes the communities on harmful cultural practices. 238. In order to promote culture the relevant Ministries National Music and Cultural Festivals in which the government gives certificate of recognition. There is also a strong element of Private Public Partnership with NGOs to promote culture e.g. in setting up museums and national archives to show case cultural heritage. 239. The Ministry responsible for culture has also developed sensitization and awareness programs for children against harmful cultural practices and have also involved the traditional council of elders, which are being revived e.g. the Luo Council of Elders and the Njuri Ncheke, Kaya elders etc. These are very influential especially where cultural issues are concerned on issues of land, society and morals and safeguarding of traditions and practices of communities. 240. As a way forward, the government intends to intensify the development of creative cultural industries which are currently being mapped. Coupled with this, the government intends to ensure that intellectual property that is Kenyan remains so to protect against incidences where foreigners patent Kenyan inventions as happened with the kiondo and Kikoi Cases. 52