The British Council on Tuesday launched an initiative to promote Kenya's cultural heritage.

Jill Coates, British Council's Kenya Country director, told journalists in Nairobi that the Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth is a two-year pilot program being rolled out with local partners in Kenya.

"The program aims to promote both social engagement and a wider understanding of the key role that Kenya's diverse cultural heritage can play as a valuable contributor to economic growth, stimulating tourism, creating jobs and enhancing the investment climate," Coates said.

Coates added that the program will offer seed grants and skills training to individuals, groups, communities and organizations working in creative enterprises in order to support cultural heritage, in the fields of music, film, fashion, crafts, gaming, performing arts, and tangible heritage.

According to the British Council, Kenya was selected because there is a demonstrable need for the program, strong partnership opportunities and the capacity and infrastructure on the ground to deliver the program in a people-centered way.

Coates revealed that the program which is also being introduced in Columbia and Vietnam aims at promoting local cultural heritage as an important contributor to social cohesion and economic growth across all levels of society.