Developing a Kenyan National Dress Incorporating Material Culture Inspired by Joy Adamson’s Paintings.

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to interrogate the pre-existing Kenya national dress to enable the development of a culturally inspired national dress that is acceptable across the ethnic divide. The concept of exploring the issues pertaining to design in the development of a Kenya national dress through the lens of culture was informed by the low uptake of the Kenyan National Dress. The top-down approach affected the national dress uptake against what was initially anticipated. This study is an attempt to understand the under laying contributory factors that need to be addressed through design so as to positively impact the development of a national dress accepted by its nationals. The literature traced the historical attempts by the various design champions, other nation’s national dress, failure and success of the current national dress as well as the design process. The research philosophy embraced in this study was interpretive in nature. The sampling strategy in this qualitative study involved non-probability sampling techniques. The researcher interviewed a total of 60 respondents. The main data tools employed were based on interviews, open ended interviews, archival research, survey and open ended questionnaires. The analysis methods involved content analysis. It was suggested that the national dress evolve slowly under the tutelage of all the stakeholders. It was also suggested that concerted efforts be made to create awareness about the garment. It was postulated that there should be a keen emphasize the fact that the KND may not necessarily be a single garment or aesthetic. Designers should embrace a role as the midwives of a KND and not necessarily the originators of the garment. They should accept that Kenyans are diverse and different, and may not agree to be identified under one communities’ traditional dress or under a single KND. It was stated that there may or may not be need for a KND and that the use of tribal clothing as an inspiration for developing a Kenyan National Dress was possible.