Mijikenda Cultural Institute

The Mijikenda Cultural Institute (MCI) in Malindi, Kenya, promotes and preserves the culture of Coastal Kenya’s indigenous communities, especially the Mijikenda. Through research, community development, and sharing traditions like art, stories, and music, MCI fosters unity and peaceful coexistence in the region.
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What
We Do

MCI, which stands for the Mijikenda Cultural Institute, is a Community Based Organization in Malindi, Kenya. Its main purpose is to research, support, and promote the culture of Kenya’s Coastal indigenous communities, especially the Mijikenda and their neighbors, by doing various important things. We do  research to learn more about the traditions and culture of these communities. They want to understand the history and practices that make them unique. We also work to make sure these traditions stay alive and continue to be important. We help the communities develop and grow, both economically and as a group. As MCI we also share the culture of these communities with others. This includes things you can see, like art and old buildings, and things you can’t see, like stories and music. One of our very important goals  is to help different communities in Coastal Kenya live together peacefully. By celebrating and sharing the culture of the Coastal region, we hope to bring people from different backgrounds closer together.

Challenges

  • Insufficient financial resources to sustain research, preservation projects, and community outreach.
  • Cultural erosion due to the influence of modernization and globalization, leading to reduced interest in traditions.
  • Community resistance from individuals who may not see the value of preserving cultural heritage.
  • Poor infrastructure making it difficult to access remote areas for documentation and promotion.
  • Lack of skilled personnel in cultural research, preservation, and promotion.
  • Limited public awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures.
  • Political interference or internal community conflicts disrupting activities.
  • Challenges in preserving physical artifacts like historical buildings or art due to lack of funding and expertise.
  • Competing priorities, such as education and healthcare, overshadowing cultural initiatives.
  • Limited access to modern tools for documenting and sharing cultural heritage.

Achievements

  • Promoted Mekatilili wa Menza to national and international prominence, recognized globally with a Google Doodle.
  • Established the Mekatilili Resource and Rescue Center, providing refuge and rehabilitation for victims of age-based violence.
  • Hosted the Annual Mijikenda Cultural Festivals every August for 20 years, celebrating Mijikenda heritage.
  • Launched the Katoto-Katoto Festival for Children, nurturing cultural appreciation among the youth.
  • Organized the Annual Mekatilili-Mashujaa Peace Walk, promoting unity and honoring Kenya’s heroes.
  • Advocated for respect and protection of the elderly through the World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

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