International Publisher ● Multi-Disciplinary Excellence

Global Journal of History And Culture Vol. 1(1) pp.001-006, January  2012                                                                           

Available online Available online  http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/?a=journal&id=gjhc

Copyright ©2011 Global Research Journals.

Case Study.

The Survival of the Customary Matrimonial Law among the Nandi of Kenya in the Changing Times

By

Dr. Chang’ach John Koskey

Moi University, Kenya

(jkchangach@yahoo.com)

Accepted 15th October 2011.

 Abstract

The happiness of every culture and society is founded on the extent to which as a people, it is able to propagate itself and acquire personal immortality.  This explains the nature of marriage as a sacrosanct institution in any society.  However, Western culture and modernity have exerted numerous influences on the general marriage institution in Africa–changing values not excluded.  It is on this basis that this paper examines traditional matrimonial dynamics among the Nandi community of the Rift Valley Province, Kenya.  It is based on a research study carried out in Uasin Gishu county involving oral interviews with selected traditional Nandi elders.  On the overall, the paper presents two issues. First, it reflects on the Nandi matrimonial laws in the light of cultural dynamism. Second, it examines how these values are either retained or discarded over time and space. The paper shows how value-dynamics can be modified and synchronized with modernity in order to accommodate the needs of the present and future generations.

Key Words: Western culture, Marriage, Nandi matrimonial laws,Kenya.