The Development and Evolution of Soapstone Industry in Kisii Area of Kenya: 1895-20i0

Abstract

Soapstone carving is one of the oldest traditional industries among Abagusii of Western Kenya. At present it is one of the greatest contributors to economic development of Abagusii of Tabaka area in particular and Kenya in general through tourism. As an industry, it has undergone various changes in both modeling and uses since pre-colonial time to present. Using sustainable Livelihood theory, this study examined the impact of socio-cultural, economic and political factors on the development of soapstone industry since 1895 to 2010. Specifically, this study documented the use of soapstone carving and accounted for various socio-cultural, economic and political factors that have influenced the changes in their use, determined the effects of market and political forces on soapstone industry and documented how the carving industry has impacted on the culture of the local community. Data for this study was collected from seventy respondents through in depth conversational interviews using interview schedule on various themes. The respondents were selected using snowball sampling technique. Augmentative data was also obtained from key informant interviews and focused group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively. Findings were corroborated with secondary data from journals, books, written correspondences and News Paper articles. The study found that the use of soapstone items have changed over time from utility purposes to artistic items and commodities of trade due to political, economic or social factors. The introduction of colonial economy changed the production and marketing of soapstone items. The study noted that the introduction of taxes made many people to indulge in soapstone production as a way of meeting colonial tax requirements as well as to get money to purchase western industrial finished products. In the Post- colonial period, the development of soapstone industry was affected by competing political forces among various actors mostly within Gusii community. Also it was found that global economic factors especially economic crisis of 1980s impacted negatively on the soapstone industry. This necessitated soapstone crafters to come up with various strategies to overcome the negative impact of the economic crisis. These strategies either involved individuals coming up with more innovations on soapstone products or diversifying into other economic activities related to soapstone such as forming co-operatives to help them market their products. Others established HIV/AIDS Self Help groups to access donor funding for their business. These strategies have promoted the resilience of the soapstone industry. There is need for the enactment of a draft policy and clear legal framework to protect the soapstone carver from blatant exploitation by unscrupulous middlemen and women, businessmen and investors. This legal frame should be particularly drafted in a main aim of protecting the social and economic interests, innovativeness and creativity of the soapstone carvers. This research was useful in providing relevant information to traditional industries/handicrafts, especially concerning marketing and organization of their production and income generation, as soapstone carving provides gainful employment to large numbers of people in the Kisii region.