Opinion

Why wearing traditional dress will always be political

For many on the continent and among the diaspora, navigating multiple identities via cultural attire is a birthright, but it can create some complications ...
The Africa Report

Almost two decades later, Kenya revives quest for national dress

According to the government, a national dress will introduce Kenya to the world, promote and safeguard its rich cultural heritage and diversity and set the country apart. “Kenya does not have a ...
Los Angeles Times

Nation’s Legislators Ask, Do Clothes Make the Kenyan?

NAIROBI, Kenya — This country’s struggle to emerge from decades of authoritarian rule and economic decline might be best summed up today in a word: pajamas. A few weeks ago, a Kenyan legislator came ...
Global Voices Online

Controversy surrounds Kenya's parliament ban on ‘Kaunda suits’ and African traditional attire

On Tuesday, November 28, Kenya's parliament made a controversial decision to prohibit the wearing of the Kaunda suit and African traditional attire. The Kaunda suit, named after the late Zambian ...
The New York Times

Fancy Wearing a Kaunda Suit? Not in Kenya’s Parliament.

A favorite of President William Ruto, the suit was banned along with other traditional African attire for violating parliamentary dress codes. Proper attire, the speaker decreed, is a Western suit and ...