Swahili Classes by the Research Institute of Swahili studies of Eastern Africa (RISSEA) @ National Museum

by with No Comment classes

The Research Institute of Swahili studies of Eastern Africa (RISSEA) is a directorate of National Museums of Kenya. It is now offering Swahili classes in Nairobi at the National Museums of Kenya Headquarters.

The Institute offers Four Modules:-
Swahili Language (Swahili basic beginners and advanced)
Teaching will be conducted on Swahili grammar and phonetics depending on one’s level of proficiency in Swahili.
An entry examination will be conducted to determine the student’s level of proficiency in Swahili.2. Swahili Literature and Performance
Contemporary Swahili novel and play: In-depth analysis of the two genre of Literature that is play and novel in terms of-The plot, characters, themes and language used.
Short story in Kiswahili literature

Swahili poetry
Classical Swahili poetry and contemporary Swahili poetry.
Types of Swahili poetry.
How to write Swahili poetry
Language use in Swahili poetry.
Swahili epic
Oral Literature
Swahili songs, dances and music

Swahili History and Identity
The study of the origins and history of the Swahili
Swahili economy and international relations
Spread and development of Kiswahili in East Africa and the Diaspora.
Dialects of Kiswahili.
Swahili and her neighbors

Anthropology of the Swahili
Economic activities of the Swahili eg. Fishing, farming, weaving, dhow making, stone house building, wood carving etc.
The Swahili way of life, (birth, marriage and death )
Art, dressing, adornments, and other forms of creativity and personal beauty.
Religion Beliefs and forms of worship.
Swahili songs and dances.

Download the Lesson Schedule and contacts RISSEA Kiswahili Lessons Schedule[1]

Exhibition: Shades of Time, May 15-31, 2012 @ National Museum

by with No Comment art exhibits

Shades of Time is an exhibition by Kaafiri Kariuki. This exhibition will be held at the Nairobi National Museum at the Creativity Gallery from May 15-31, 2012.

The name Kaafiri Kariuki is synonymous with the intricate and time -consuming technique he calls” dancing pen”.

He uses this to critique the status of society, something that he refer to as an “ironic existence”. The village, the slum and the “big”city are symbols that he always uses to base his critical outline with nostalgic references to “naive” Africa. All these are mixed with personal experiences and an attachment to music, which he plays.

Entry: Museum rates apply

Out of Town/Festival: The 5th Lake Turkana Festival, May 18-20 2012 @ Loyangalani-Turkana

by with No Comment art exhibitsfestivalout of town


Turkana has been in the news lately for all the right reasons! So here is a perfect excuse for you to visit this region.

The 5th Lake Turkana Festival, which will take place from 18th to 20th May 2012 on the shores of the world famous Lake Turkana, the so-called Jade Lake.

The Lake Turkana Festival is organised jointly by the German Embassy, the National Museums of Nairobi, Private Safaris and the local community of Loiyangalani and sponsored by various institutions and companies. The aim of this event, which has taken place every year since 2008, is to promote peace and cultural understanding among the local communities. The Lake Turkana Festival not only became famous for its colourful, stirring and moving music performances, sports events and arts exhibitions but also won the hearts of locals and politicians and support of several companies, NGOs and foreign embassies for its ability to address and promote issues relating to the sustainable development of the Turkana region.

It may sound like light culture entertainment but the event serves a deeper purpose: the Lake Turkana Festival gives the region with its lack of infrastructure, fights among ethnic communities and environmental challenges an opportunity for cross-cultural interaction and reconciliation. This is a chance for both, Kenyans as well as Expatriates, to experience the living conditions and fascinating culture of the ten participating tribes.

Transport is either by car convoy or by plane. The road travel option will take visitors on a magical journey across Kenya, from Nairobi to Loyangalani. As the convoy will progress through the changing landscapes, the accompanying and highly knowledgeable expert staff of the National Museums of Kenya will explain the different cultural habits and unique features of the communities along the way.

Be advised that accomodation space is limited and already starting to be filled.

Travel details, programme and other information on the Festival can be found on the official website.

Explore this unique territory and be a witness of the terrific performances and demonstrations of ten different ethnic communities!

This is truly the adventure of a life time!