Modern Social Innovation in the Cultural Heritage of the Midzi-Chenda Community of Coastal Kenya

Abstract

All African cultural heritages suffered suppression when foreigners from the East and West came to dominate and introduce hitherto unknown lifestyles, technologies and skills. Like many African communities, the Midzi-Chenda community of coastal Kenya have struggled to maintain their heritage. This study examines the influence of modernity and its attendant social standards on the cultural heritage of the Midzi-Chenda. The study was carried out with the aim of identifying the cultural heritage values that are keys to addressing critical issues that affect coastal communities in Kenya and Africa. Sources for this study include oral histories, focus group discussions, interviews, documented information, and the author’s personal experience as a member of a Midzi-Chenda community. The insights here may be applied to tackle crucial challenging issues such as drug abuse, human trafficking, gender-based violence and types of radicalization in a vibrant changing society.