Conflict between tradition and social change. A case study in Kenya

Ever since the Waswahili of Lamu East Parliamentary Consituency in Kenya became part of larger nation-states in the early 1960s, they have had to share their language, culture, resources and even identity with the rest of the citizens as equal partners. The result of these modern interactions and changes has meant that the Waswahili have been compelled to adapt to changing times, changing world views. In this paper, I draw attention to the Kimondo verses of Lamu East district of 1975 through whichI examine how the Waswahili of Lamu East have coped with changes in their way of life. The discussion centres on conflicts involving 1) innovations in agricultural practice, 2) the settlement of migrant groups in Lamu East, 3) business investment initiatives undertaken by Lamuans, 4) participation of Lamuans in an expanding tourist industry, and 5) collisions between religion and secularization. I take the view that the conflicts within the Lamu East constituency are about the need to protect and preserve Kiswahili heritage and identity, on the one hand, and the need for economic and social progress, on the other hand. I conclude that the major challenge facing the Waswahili and their leadership today is how far it is desirable to make major compromises on the question of equity, and in respect of Kiswahili traditions in modern times.