Seminar Description

Seminar covers history and cultures of the famous Luo tribe, President Obama’s father living around Lake Victoria of western Kenya; proud of their own egalitarian ideology, very well educated “because they eat fish from fresh water lake”, have rich culture, articulate and civil-minded, and prominent in Kenya’s independence as trade unionists and politicians. The Luos produced Kenya’s first Vice-President and many elites who joined institutions of higher learning and government.

Course Outline/Syllabus

Week 1: Overview of ethnic groups of Kenya and how they are related culturally and historically. We will cover the migration history, patterns and interrelationship between various ethnic groups.

Week 2: History of the Luo – President Obama’s father

Week 3: Education in Kenya during colonial era and why President Obama’s father had to seek education in the US. Post Independence period in Kenya and Contributions made by Luos in education, civil service and economic development of Kenya

Week 4 - 5: Traditions and Customs

• Establishing a home (difference between house and home)
• Naming of children and significance of Names
• Customs on Marriage, religion, death, inheritance
• Customs on “coming of age” for both boys and girls
• Traditional role of adults in bringing up children and extended family
• Comparison of rural vs. urban living among the Luo

Week 6:

• Economic activities of the rural Luo communities
• Impact of President Obama’s election on Kenya and the Luo Community
• Increased Tourism in Luo land