Protecting and Revitalizing Traditional Cultural Expressions in Kenya: Prospects and Challenges in Gĩkũyũ Community

Abstract

Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) are taking national, regional and international centre stage particularly among the developing countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. This study examines how TCEs are protected and being revitalized in Kenya. Firstly, the study purposefully draws respondents from Gatanga area of Murang’a county in Kenya to participate in this research study. Secondly, in depth interviews with key informants are conducted to assess the nature of the problem confronting and impeding upon TCEs revitalization and protection in Kenya. Thirdly, two focus group discussions are conducted with twelve Gikuyu elders to understand broadly the concepts of the study. This study employs mainly qualitative and content analysis methods of data collection and analysis. Underlying the methodology of this study is an overarching Postcolonial theoretical framework. This serves as the basis for data analyses. This research is significant in that, besides adding onto the growing body of African TCEs studies, it shall also open up more informed scholarly dialogue on especially the TCEs’s role in preservation and mediation of cultural discourses. The main findings of this study include the view that the Gĩkũyũ TCEs, especially the ones touching on material culture, cuisine, and expressive culture are in steep decline fast and urgent intervention is required to arrest the situation. The study also reveals the methods and interventions that are critical to ensure protection and revitalization of cultural expressions which are on the verge of extinction if urgent measures are not taken to arrest the situation. While establishing that cultural expressions and values are critical identifiers of Agĩkũyũ people, the study recommends that National Government, County government and individuals should identify aspects of TCES that can be revitalized. The study further recommends speedy enactment and operationalization of TK and TCEs Bill currently before the Kenyan Parliament as well as speedy ratification of Swakopmund Protocol by the government.