The Search for Identity

Kenya is not a country without culture. With so many ethnic groups and languages, culture in Kenya is vibrant and eclectic. However, is there a lack of a distinct and wholesome 'Kenyan culture'?

In the summer of 2004, Kenya launched a competition to decide its national dress. Aside from the distictive clothing of the Maasai and Turkana, the government decided that Kenya, as a whole, did not have its own dress. One year later after the winning design was announced, it has proved unpopular among most Kenyans.

What do the people of Sagam think of the national dress and would they wear it? Should we try to establish a uniform culture or just remain within the customs of our own ethnic groups?

Photos of the winning design can be seen at the official website of the Kenyan National Dress