On 1st March 2025, a unique and significant gathering took place at Bumbe Cultural Centre in Busia. It brought together elders and youth from the Samia community, providing a platform to bridge the intergenerational gap and revive traditional knowledge. This event, organized by Kenge Content Hive in collaboration with Design Reparations, a Netherlands-based organization advocating for climate justice using ancestral wisdom, was a testament to the Centre's role in fostering meaningful dialogue on culture, sustainability, and the role of tradition in addressing modern challenges.
During the event, Mr. Charles Wakhaya, Director of Culture at Busia County, expressed concern about the dwindling recognition and celebration of Samia culture. He pointed out that cultural festivities, once a regular occurrence, have now been reduced to annual events in December. In the past, these gatherings provided a platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening community ties, and ensuring that traditional practices in our community were upheld. He emphasized the importance of restoring these frequent celebrations and urged elders to take the lead in ensuring that younger generations learn and appreciate their heritage. He further highlighted the need to revive traditional farming practices, particularly the planting of indigenous vegetables, which are rich in nutrients and form an essential part of the community’s identity. Additionally, he encouraged elders to contribute Samian artifacts, as the county government was working on an artifact budget to enrich the cultural center with items that reflect the community’s history and traditions.
Pauline Nasirumbi, Director at the Kenya Cultural Centre, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the Samia people possess immense cultural wealth that should not be overlooked. She pointed out that the community is known for its expertise in storytelling, riddles, pottery, and craftsmanship, and these talents should be harnessed to promote and sustain cultural heritage. She urged the elders and youth to take full advantage of the cultural center, using it as a space for learning, preserving traditions, and creating opportunities through cultural incentives. She emphasized the crucial role of youth in learning from elders, especially about the types of trees to plant and their benefits in combating climate change. She encouraged the community to take responsibility for revitalizing its culture rather than waiting for external intervention.
The discussions during the workshop underscored the urgent need to integrate traditional knowledge into present-day efforts. This is crucial in addressing climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges. The elders provided invaluable insights into practices that sustained communities for generations, while the youth contributed fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to keeping these traditions alive. Bwire, a young participant from Bumbe Village, shared that he is currently working on a book documenting the relevance of Samian surnames and their meanings, emphasizing the importance of understanding identity and heritage through names. He believes that preserving these linguistic and cultural elements, future generations can maintain a strong connection to their roots.
Elder Pantaleo spoke about the need to reintroduce traditional meals into the community’s diet, warning that modern foods allegedly contribute to rising health issues. He urged the community to return to their conventional ways of farming by investing in their shambas and planting indigenous crops, some of which are now on the brink of extinction. He emphasized that food is not just sustenance but also a key part of cultural preservation and well-being.
Mzee Adika addressed the importance of safeguarding the Samia language, emphasizing that language is a core pillar of identity. He warned that the language could fade with time if no deliberate efforts are made to pass it down. He called on elders to actively teach their children and grandchildren Samia, ensuring that the language remains alive and continues to be spoken across generations.
Cecilia Scolaro, a valued partner from Design Reparations, shared enlightening insights on the role of traditions and ancestral wisdom in tackling climate change. She highlighted that this global issue necessitates collective action and stressed the importance of uniting as a worldwide community. She pointed out that many solutions to modern challenges can be found in traditional practices, which are often more respectful and sustainable, inspiring hope for a better future. She underscored their ongoing efforts to engage youth and designers in learning from these traditions. She announced they would feature Samia traditions at the upcoming Nairobi Design Week (NDW) to educate a wider audience about Samia culture and its relevance in today’s world.
Moving forward, the participants acknowledged the need for action. The restoration of frequent cultural festivals, the promotion of indigenous farming methods, the support of traditional craftsmanship, and the documentation of oral traditions were all identified as essential steps in ensuring that Samia culture remains vibrant and relevant. It became evident that preserving cultural identity is not merely about looking back at the past but about using ancestral wisdom as a guide to shape a sustainable future. The community can reclaim its cultural heritage, strengthen social bonds, and create a lasting impact for future generations by reconnecting with traditions and fostering intergenerational conversations.
The workshop at Bumbe Cultural Centre was a strong starting point, laying the foundation for deeper engagement and action. The responsibility now lies with the Samia people to nurture these discussions and transform them into meaningful change. Culture is not static; it is a living, evolving force that thrives when embraced and celebrated. Through collective efforts, the community can ensure its rich traditions continue inspiring and empowering future generations.
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