The Art of Traditional Craft: How Mzee Edward’s Skills Can Inspire Modern Designers.

Mzee Edward Namuye, photo by Obosh Pixels

Mzee Edward Namuye from Busijo Village in the Samia community is a skilled artisan dedicated to traditional craftsmanship. At 76 years old, he has spent his entire life making chicken coops (Amadiri,) a craft that has sustained and helped him educate his children.

Beyond chicken coops, Mzee Edward also remembers the traditional fishing baskets called Vibamu and Mikono. These baskets, commonly used in the community, were designed to catch fish sustainably, ensuring that only sizable fish were caught while allowing younger ones to grow. Unlike modern fishing nets, which often deplete fish populations indiscriminately, these traditional methods reflect a respect for nature that is becoming increasingly rare.

Despite the value of his craft, Mzee Edward faces a growing challenge—none of his

grandchildren are interested in learning the skill, and none of his children, while growing up, expressed interest in learning his craft either. He notes that younger generations are drawn to quick financial rewards and are reluctant to invest time in a craft that requires patience and dedication. He earns close to KSH 700 per basket and often struggles to keep up with demand, yet this does not attract the younger generation to take up the skill.

Looking toward the future, Mzee Edward hopes for support in setting up fish cages to promote sustainable fishing practices within the Busijo community. He also believes collaboration between elders and youth is essential for preserving cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. He notes that by forming intergenerational groups, they could engage in activities like beekeeping and sustainable agriculture, ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed down and creating economic opportunities in our communities, country, and globally.

From Design Reparations, Cecilia Scolaro emphasizes the importance of looking into ancestral wisdom to combat climate change. She notes that traditional practices, like those upheld by Mzee Edward, offer valuable insights into sustainable living. By integrating these traditions with modern design approaches, communities can create innovative and deeply rooted cultural heritage solutions. As part of their ongoing efforts, Design Reparations plans to feature Samia traditions at the Nairobi Design Week to educate a global audience on the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge.

Mzee Edward's story serves as a powerful reminder of the value embedded in traditional

craftsmanship. For modern designers, his work inspires how age-old techniques can inform contemporary design, promoting sustainability, cultural continuity, and respect for natural resources. By bridging the gap between past and present, there is an opportunity to create a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.

Written by Ian Francis Onyango, Co-Founder, Kenge Content Hive.