Culture is a property of the people. It belongs to them and for them. It is their heritage and should be guarded as such. This is what I concluded when some chaps from a neighbouring country introduced themselves as "Maasais in the diaspora". They weren't that serious.
But a quick look into such acts points to a gloomy picture of communities whose culture is being commercialized without them earning a cent. A case in point is the branding of products with Maasai names and/or traditions yet the Maasai people remain locked in the prisons of poverty. I don't criminalize this. I interrogate the rationale under which these "brandings" and commercialization of peoples heritage is done.
Here are some possibilities why this is happening. One, there is no policy on royalties accruing from traditions and cultures of the Kenyan people. Two, some informed chaps are just silent and watching from far as their people are being raped day in day out. Three, no steps have been taken to register these traditions as properties of the respective communities. Four, little or no public awareness has been conducted to enlighten the public of their wealth and heritage. Five, there is no clear definition of what culture is.
Having seen this, I think, it is high time to move with speed to protect the people and their heritage from these commercial interests. And this demands swift action.
Action number one, trademark the name of the community. This will enable the respective communities earn royalties and restore their dignity as custodians of culture and traditions.
Two, ring-fence communities by having their products patented. This,I think, is the surest way for them to benefit from any commercialization of their products.
Three, setting up Village Culture Centres might help in documenting and educating the people on their culture and traditions. These could also serve as exhibition centres hence earning communities revenue.
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