AboutKagi Expertise I can answer questions on the overall Kenyan culture, our history (given some time to confirm the facts), and our way of life in the towns and rural areas. I'm not claiming expertise, but if you want my opinion, I'll give it to you.
Experience I am a Kenyan, I have worked with various children's homes and aid organisations to get a hint of the other side of the street, and I enjoy observing Kenyan life. I have also done a number of courses in culture.
Organizations I Choose Life (ICL), Kenya Book Foundation (KBF), and SIFE
Publications A local magazine in Kenyan estates in Nairobi, AdPaper, and my university newspaper, Involvement.
Education/Credentials A liberal B.A in Communication.
Expert: Kagi Date: 5/30/2006 Subject: where to buy inexpensive clothing on internet
Question Kagure G.,
Would you send me a sample of your writing (language).
Thank you,
David
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Followup To
Question -
Dear Kagure G.,
We are having an international day at my school and I am trying to find an outfit for a boy (size 14/16)to dress in the style of the country I have been assigned (Kenya). My mother is limiting my budget. Do you know of any sites that have inexpensive Kenyan clothing. I found one, but I am having trouble ordering from it.
I am finding your country very interesting and if you have any information that is not generally published about Kenya I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Kind regards,
David
Answer -
Hi David,
Thank you for showing interest. Now, we are on the way there but buying things via the internet in Kenya is still fresh territory. Even if you manage to order anything, it will take time to get to you. I would suggest you prepare an outfit yourself.
The main cultures that may still have dress codes are the Kikuyu and the Maasai. Most of the country dresses up in a Western style, perhaps only the Maasai herdsmen dress traditionally.
If you can, look for something called a "Kikoi" or a "Leso", which is a cloth made of cotton. it's rectangular in shape and has warm colours. If you find that too expensive, you could tie a sheet round yourself...a red or blue one, these are the Maasai colours.
Tie the knot round your neck and let the rest hang. wear shorts underneath but no vest or shirt.
Altrnatively, you could paint your hair red (called ochre), and paint white streaks on your cheeks and forehead, and on your chest. these are war paints.
Let me know if you need any more specific instructions or have any questions on Kenya, I'll only be too glad to help.
All the best with your project.
Regards.
Answer Hi David,
I'm sorry I've taken so long to reply, my work has been piling up so...
anyway, I'm sorry I might have to disappoint, I don't fully understand what you're asking...do you want what I have written... or something from one of the tribes of Kenya? Or something in Kiswahili (Kenya's national language)? Just anything? Specific length?
For example;
Kikuyus say, when greeting each other:
Wakia iyo/maitu/cucu (depending on whom you are addressing, that is your mother's or father's younger siblings/older siblings/your grandmother or her agemates)
The response is:
Wakia maitu/maitu/cucu (respectively)
Which means how are you my daughter/son
and the response is, I am fine mother
But this is peculiar to Kikuyus from Nyeri. the rest go for: 'We mwega" - "are you fine?)
response: "aa, ndemwega" - yes, I am fine.
I don't know whether to go on in this vein, I might be giving you informaiton you don't particularly care for...so would you write me and specify please.
And do you need translations?
We (the Kikuyu) also have specific lettering that is not found on the normal keyboard so...I'll just write down the words but the pronunciation will be off.
