Kenya is a nation celebrated as a hub of African tech innovation, and Kenyans are renowned for their ingenuity in harnessing technology to overcome challenges. One remarkable enterprise that speaks to this spirit is African Digital Heritage. Founded in 2017 by Chao Taiyana, a visionary historian and digital humanities scholar, this non-profit dares to bridge the gap between tradition and technology, offering a fresh perspective on the storage of culture and utilizing digital technologies to safeguard and celebrate Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage.
In the heart of Nairobi, where the rhythms of city life harmonize with the echoes of Kenya’s storied past, African Digital Heritage emerges as a beacon of cultural preservation and technological innovation. Founded in 2017 by the visionary historian and digital humanities scholar, Chao Taiyana, this Kenyan non-profit The genesis of African Digital Heritage lies in recognizing an urgent need. Kenya’s cultural treasures, from ancient archives to whispered oral histories and timeless monuments, are slipping through the cracks of history. Faced with the relentless march of time and the perils of physical decay, the need for sustainable digitisation solutions becomes evident. Chao Taiyana and her team have embarked on a mission to ensure that the rich tapestry of Kenyan heritage endures in the digital age. Their projects, such as “Save The Railway” and the McMillan library archives digitisation, are shining examples of their dedication to this cause.
But African Digital Heritage’s work extends beyond the realm of digitisation. Recognising the interdisciplinary nature of digital heritage, they embed research and co-creation at their core. Historical research delves into archives, oral histories, and museum collections, breathing new life into forgotten narratives. Simultaneously, they explore emerging technologies, addressing the ever-evolving relationship between African heritage and digital tools.
What truly sets African Digital Heritage apart is their commitment to empowerment. They see technology as a conduit for engagement, a means to equip individuals and institutions with the skills to preserve and share culture through various digital media. Their capacity-building initiatives reach far and wide, nurturing a new generation of cultural custodians.
In a world where culture is ever evolving, the notion of where it is stored takes on a dynamic form. African Digital Heritage understands that culture need not be confined to physical artefacts. It can exist in the ephemeral beauty of a theater show or a fleeting digital moment. Their work celebrates the idea that culture plays out in the most unexpected places, even for a short period.
In today’s digital age, African Digital Heritage has emerged as a guardian of the past, a pioneer of the future, and a testament to the fact that culture’s storied presence need not be bound by time, space, or form. This goes to show that #KeCultureLives even in the digital realm, thriving and enduring for generations to come.