Overview

Abagusii are a Bantu-speaking group found in South Western Kenya, also called the Gusii region. Like other indigenous communities in the world, the people of Gusii have a rich heritage that captures their history and culture. The community's heritage is at the core of their identity. For instance, Abagusii were deeply spiritual, be it in the administration of justice, an individual's conduct or relationships with others in the society. As the community settled down, some places became more important to them. Some of these sites assumed spiritual significance. Others became historical with inscriptions that predate the arrival of the group on present-day Gusii. Places such as Ngoro ya Mwaga, at the base of the Manga Ridge, were important to the spiritual lives of Abagusii. It was sacred, and clear rules governed the manner of conduct while visiting the location. Other locations like the caves in Sameta have rock-inscribed writings that have stood the test of time. They predate the group's arrival in that land. Some developments saw the transformation of people's lives, such as the building of the first watermills, which substantially eased the tedious work of preparing cooking flour. This book points to the potential these places hold for present-day Gusii, Kenya and the world. As the authors write, 'It is also important to note that other than satisfying the social-religious needs of the local community, if well managed and presented, these sites can become a source of cultural heritage tourism.' Not only would this promote the heritage of the people of Gusii but also become a source of revenue for the two counties of Kisii and Nyamira. Further, the work underlines the importance of preserving the sites, and the heritage they represent, for future generations and the world at large. Unfortunately, as the land sizes decline in Gusii, there is encroachment and (in many cases) destruction of what was once sacred. When such destruction takes place, it goes with the historical and cultural representation it holds.

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9789914760132

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""A people's heritage is significant as it encapsulates their cultural identity and can be the basis of social cohesion. It has inherent educational and economic value which, properly harnessed, has the potential for impactful returns to the people. Inherent in heritage are indigenous knowledge and practices that have stood the test of time, which can contribute towards global sustainable development. This book is a step in the direction of realizing the benefits of the heritage of the people of Gusii."" - Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, ICT Professional and Publisher

Author Information

Prof. John S. Akama holds a PhD in Geography from Southern Illinois University, USA. For over 15 years, he taught at Moi University in Kenya, where he rose from the position of lecturer to the rank of Professor. While at Moi University, he taught students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Over the years, Prof. Akama has conducted research and published widely in areas of culture, sociology, tourism, and wildlife management. Prof. Akama was the founding Vice Chancellor of Kisii University, Kenya, where he was first appointed as founding Principal when the institution was a Constituent College of Egerton University before being made Vice-Chancellor when the institution acquired its Charter in 2013 to become a full-fledged University. Prof. Herman Kiriama trained in Archaeology and Heritage Management at the University of Cambridge, UK and Deakin University, Australia, respectively. He has held several academic and professional posts, including being Head of Coastal Archaeology at the National Museums of Kenya, Programme Officer at ICCROM in Rome, Italy, Coordinator of Immovable Heritage at the Centre for Heritage Development in Africa, Head of Projects at the Australian Cultural Heritage Management in Melbourne, Australia and Visiting Professor, Peking University, Beijing, China and Coordinator of Research and Extension at Kisii University among many other responsibilities. Currently, Herman is an Associate Professor of Heritage Studies at Kisii University, Kenya and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Archaeology at La Trobe, University, Australia. He is also a Principal Consulting Archaeologist at Tardis Archaeology, Melbourne, Australia. Joshua Araka is a multi-talented and award-winning photojournalist, creative writer, satirist, editor, biographer and researcher.

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