An analysis of Manyatta Housing and Community wellbeing - a case for Kajiado County

Abstract

Since time immemorial, housing has been singled out as one of the key enablers of an empowered society. Though the patriarchal system in most communities in Kenya have engaged men as main change agents in housing development, Maasai women play a big role in the construction of Manyatta houses. The objectives of the study seek to examine the Maasai traditional housing in promoting community wellbeing, assess the implications linked to Manyatta housing construction and to discuss article 43 of the Kenya constitution 2010 towards addressing the basic right of the Kenyan people. These rights include the health, sanitation, privacy, security, decent and affordable housing that empowers community wellbeing. The research methodology was guided by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, (2009) and Kenya National Demographic Health survey, (2014) reports that provided detailed data on housing conditions and amenities both at national and county level. Descriptive statistics were applied in data analysis which comprised of percentages, cross tabulations, and averages. The data was presented through graphs, charts, tables, photographs and maps. Theories guiding the study are the African feminism which discusses complementary gender responsibility and the communal values while the housing adjustment theory elaborates how to maintain housing equilibrium in accordance with the norms of both society and the household itself. The local Maasai community had their own architectural design of house construction that was informed by environment, mobility, and geographical location. The analysis of manyatta housing identified critical issues related to the traditional role of women and the wellbeing of themselves, their families and community. This included health care, where the materials used for the construction led to long term respiratory illness, promoted infection of jiggers, and inadequate security of girls and women hence possibility of gender-based violence when least expected.