Kenya

‘Mbegani Rising’ is a community based organisation in Kenya supported by The Global Concerns Trust. The organisation supports 2 interdependent projects.

The first is the Kwale Community Business Incubator (KCBI), a space that explores how the arts, culture, heritage and local narratives can develop alternative tourism initiatives that address the high levels of endemic inequality and poverty in the region. By providing leadership and business management skills for potential leaders, we aim to establish sustainable businesses that thrive and inspire and provide the business background for individuals to establish their own businesses.

This KCBI provides support and a skilled workforce for the Kwale Sculpture Park and Heritage Trail, an arts trail that leads through Mbegani village where artworks of scale including sculptures, art installations and murals are positioned on lands belonging to the community. These artworks are rooted in Kenyan narratives, drawn from legends and myths, histories, folklore and contemporary narratives.

As visitors are drawn to the heritage trail, they can engage in the businesses provided by individuals in the community supplementing incomes as well as experiencing an exciting, alternative and genuine cultural experience. these could include learning traditional architecture, games, sampling local cuisine, etc.

The community are also provided training on the importance of the natural environment for attracting visitors, but equally for improved water retention, growth of crops, etc. We are therefore investing in rainwater harvesting systems, exploring small scale biog as plants and other alternative energy sources.