Natural cultural sites of Kenya: changing contexts, changing meanings

Kenya's natural cultural sites, once integral to the belief systems of over 40 ethnic groups, have undergone significant changes in meaning and management due to political shifts since the early 1990s and the growing global environmental movement. This study highlights the transformation of four clusters of culturally significant natural sites: the kaya forests along the coast, Mount Kenya and related highland sites, cultural sites around Lake Victoria, and pastoral nomad sites in northern Kenya. While some sites have been destroyed or degraded, others persist, reflecting evolving cultural values and conservation practices. The research traces these changes through historical and contemporary contexts, offering insights into the dynamic relationship between culture, nature, and governance.

Nyamweru, C. (2012). Natural cultural sites of Kenya: changing contexts, changing meanings. Journal of Eastern African Studies, 6(2), 270–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/17531055.2012.669574