Culture & Heritage – Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

UNESCO/China Great Wall Fellowships 2026-2027

j.gitahi — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:07:05 +0000

The UNESCO/The People’s Republic of China – The Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme 2026-2027 edition is now open

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, invites applications for the Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. The programme provides fully funded postgraduate and research opportunities in recognized Chinese universities for qualified candidates from developing UNESCO Member States, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation, academic exchange, and capacity development.

Programme Categories

The fellowship supports the following study and research pathways:

Master’s Degree Programmes
Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
Visiting Scholar / Research Programmes

Programmes may be offered in English or Chinese, depending on the host institution and field of study. Applicants to Chinese-taught programmes must meet the required language proficiency.

Fields of Study

Eligible fields are aligned with UNESCO’s mandate and include, but are not limited to:

Education
Natural Sciences
Engineering, Science and Technology
Culture and Heritage Studies
Communication and Information
Social and Human Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

The applicants must:

Nationals of eligible developing UNESCO Member States
Meet academic admission requirements for the chosen programme
Demonstrate strong academic merit and development potential

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit their applications through their respective National Commissions for UNESCO.

Important Dates

23 January 2026: Deadline for submission to KNATCOM – sg@unesco.go.ke
10 February 2026: Deadline for nominations to UNESCO by KNATCOM

More Information

For detailed eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and official documentation, please visit: https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/greatwall or reach us via our official email sg@unesco.go.ke

Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gede Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

j.gitahi — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:59:17 +0000

During the 46th World Heritage Committee session, held in New Delhi, India, the Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gede was added to the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. This significant addition marks Kenya’s eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the ranks cultural sites of Lamu Old Town, Fort Jesus, Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, and the three natural sites: Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Turkana National Parks, and the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley (Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita).

Gede, an abandoned city encircled by a coastal forest, was one of the most significant Swahili settlements on the East African coast between the 10th and 17th centuries. It played a crucial role in the extensive trade and cultural exchanges that connected coastal African cities with Persia and other regions across the Indian Ocean. The site features remnants of civic, religious, and residential buildings, an advanced water management system, and showcases the essence of Swahili architecture and town planning through the use of materials such as coral rag, coral and earth mortar, and wood.

The World Heritage Committee’s thorough assessment and subsequent approval of Gede’s designation highlight the site’s exceptional global value. This achievement demonstrates the commitment and teamwork between the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), and the Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. The designation of Gede as a World Heritage Site creates new opportunities for the local community through sustainable tourism, international collaboration, and research.

Dr. James Njogu, Acting Secretary General/CEO of KNATCOM, remarked on the significance of this achievement, noting that the inscription of Gede is monumental and an outstanding testament to Kenya’s rich heritage. The Board, led by Chairman Prof. Mohamed Rajab, expressed gratitude to the team from the National Museums of Kenya, KNATCOM, and the Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. Prof. Rajab also encouraged the team to mobilize resources to inscribe more sites in Kenya and ensure their sustainable management.

This milestone underscores KNATCOM’s dedication to preserving and promoting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage, reinforcing the nation’s standing on the global stage.

World Kiswahili Language Day

j.gitahi — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:45:34 +0000

KNATCOM Commemorate the World Kiswahili Language Day

World Kiswahili Language Day

Theme of 2023: “Unleashing Kiswahili’s potential in the digital era”
Date: 7th July

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)

j.gitahi — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:59:25 +0000

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

KNATCOM under the Culture Programme promotes the safeguarding, protecting and conserving of Culture and Heritage among the youth.

In 2025, KNATCOM plans to have a national dialogue forum/workshop to coincide with the African World Heritage Day Celebration on 5^th May 2025. The workshop will have presentations on cultural heritage protection, safeguarding and conservation; cultural performances; tours to World Heritage Sites and conservation activities in heritage sites and sites of intangible cultural heritage. Further, there will be discussions on possible avenues for promoting the Kenyan identity and national unity.

KNATCOM calls for expression of interest for youth participation in the dialogue forum/workshop.

Stating your County of Residence, interested youths are hereby invited to submit their online application to: culture@unesco.go.ke Applications for participation in the forum/workshop are open until 10th March 2025

Download More details on Call of Expressions of Interest