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.
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