Category: Kibanda stories
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Kenya Songs of Protest is a project that explores how art, especially music, has served as a powerful tool for expression throughout Kenya’s history. It highlights the early years leading up to independence, the independence era itself, and the period extending to 2013. When I received the invitation to the event at Alliance Française, I…
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One of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Nairobi where I have lived is Mowlem Ward in Embakasi West. This vibrant community is home to many foreigners, primarily from East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Congo, and Rwanda. I would confidently say this is their first stop when they visit Kenya. Kenyans are notably more…
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Why Gikomba Might Be Here to Stay for Some Time. In the mtaa, we refer to those who are well dressed as “kupiga luku.” This phrase is commonly heard in many communities, especially in Nairobi and throughout Kenya. It is used to describe individuals who wear genuine, original outfits—whether it’s shoes, jeans, or any authentic…
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It’s not news that many artists come from humble backgrounds, though not all do. Some artists come from wealth yet remain incredibly talented, and we cannot deny that. However, my main focus today is on those coming from the ghetto, for lack of a better term. Our goal has always been to use art to…
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Whenever you visit the Dandora dumpsite, always ensure two important things are in place. First, prioritize your security. The Dandora dumpsite is known to harbor dangerous criminals and is considered a no-man’s land. It is essential to either be accompanied by security forces or arrange for local security— I recommend the latter. Local security personnel…
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Many young boys and girls, especially from informal backgrounds, engage in early sexual activity. This is not a new phenomenon; it has been happening for a long time. Some face serious consequences such as contracting STDs, becoming pregnant, opting for abortion, or even dying during these processes. These outcomes often result from victimization, arrest, and…
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Kenya’s new education system is more hands-on compared to the previous one. It includes more practical and activities. The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is the new system, though it has been in place for over five years. CBC replaced the 8-4-4 system, which was more focused on textbooks and did not adequately address individual talents or…
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When you walk into any ghetto around the world, there is always a common thread that unites them. Beyond the low standard of living, beyond songs that tell stories of the ghetto and its struggles, beyond the presence of drugs, police brutality, and crime, something else stands out. The act of hanging shoes on power…
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How true are these stories? Is there exaggeration involved? Are they told to evoke pity or to demonize a population—what is often called bad press? All of these can be true, and all have been proven to occur. At Kibanda Project, we commit ourselves to telling these stories as they should be told, reflecting reality…
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Kenyan youths have always found creative ways to express their opinions. They use various forms and styles, from memes that leverage social media to art expressed through music, poetry, and more. This has always been their way of speaking out. They know how to advocate for themselves and have even developed their own slang to…