Nairobi: There has been a growing concern among the Abasuba community over the possibility of losing their language due to cultural assimilation by the Luo community. It is said that many Abasuba people have very little knowledge regarding their culture. They ironically speak Luo fluently but struggle with their native tongue. The fear of losing their culture and tradition prompted the Abasuba to take proactive measures to ensure the current generation preserves and upholds its heritage to pass down to the future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, efforts include organizing annual cultural festivals, spearheaded by the Rusinga Cultural Festival organizing committee. Chairman of the Annual Rusinga Cultural Festival organizing committee Narkiso Okello said they hold cultural festivals yearly to help the current generation reconnect with their cultural roots and language. He reiterated that modernity and cultural assimilation are major threats contributing to them losing grip on their cultural identity. Okello explained that the cultural festivals give them an opportunity to learn and appreciate their language and heritage. “These festivals aim to reconnect the younger generation with their roots, teaching them the Abasuba language and traditions through activities such as learning about household items, numbers, alphabets, and tools,” he said.
During the festival that attracted hundreds including foreign tourists, the youths are taught the Abasuba language by the elders. The community has also taken steps to integrate the Abasuba language into early education with support from the Ministry of Education and has translated parts of the Old Testament into their native tongue. “We have also translated portions of the Old Testament into Abasuba,” he said. Other cultural activities showcased at the festivals include music, dance, boat racing, wrestling, and fashion.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) supports these festivals and recognizes their role in nurturing talent, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting moral values. KTB official Erick Omenda underscored the importance of cultural festivals for tourism and foreign exchange and promoting investment opportunities. “Such festivals showcase a community’s uniqueness through the various activities performed and displayed,” he added.
Rusinga Member of County Assembly (MCA) Samuel Okomo emphasized the festivals’ role in engaging youth in meaningful activities, helping address social challenges like teen pregnancies and promoting positive integration among people. Through these initiatives, the Abasuba community is fostering pride in their identity and ensuring that their culture and traditions are passed down to future generations.