Meet Lamu town crier who uses cow’s horn to ‘send messages’

In an age where technology dominates the realm of announcements, a dusty Mkunumbi village still stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition.

Nestled in the historic town of Lamu, Mkunumbi proudly maintains the ancient practice of using the horn as a medium for making announcements, a duty carried out by the dedicated town crier, Bakari Mohamed Ali, also known as Bakari Jabia.

''I started this work fifteen years ago when my late dad was unable to make announcements due to his deteriorating health condition.

“At first it was hard for me to go around the village blowing the horn and making announcements, but with time I came to love the job, and now this is what I do,'' says Bakari.

Bakari has dutifully upheld this unique role, following in the footsteps of his late father, the renowned Mzee Jabia, who was revered for his art of communication (mbiu ya mgambo ikilia haikosi jambo...).

Bakari reminisces about his early days, when he embraced the responsibility of traversing the village, sharing news and information with the resonant sound of the cow horn. Over time, what was once a challenging task transformed into his full-time occupation, a labour of love.

In his capacity as the town crier, Bakari charges a modest fee for his services. Local meetings at the chief's office command a fee of Ksh500, while political rallies and county meetings demand Ksh1,000, a pricing structure that has been passed down from his late father.

"I charge very little amount of money for local announcements like chief’s meetings and school meetings, but I charge Ksh1,000 for political rallies or county meetings in this area,'' says Bakari.

However, like any profession, being a town crier has its own set of challenges. Mkunumbi has experienced significant growth due to an influx of people, making commuting on foot an arduous task. Bakari, a father of two, faces the daily struggle of covering the expanding distance to fulfill his role.

Recognising the importance of preserving this old method of communication for future generations, Bakari fervently appeals to the generosity of well-wishers. He hopes for assistance in acquiring either a bicycle or a motorbike, which would greatly facilitate his ability to continue his cherished work.

''Mkunumbi now is a big town that extends to Koreni North and Ndambwe Village on the south and commuting is a challenge,” he says.

As we bid farewell to the village of Mkunumbi, Bakari Jabia remains optimistic that his heartfelt wish will be fulfilled.

With the support of kind-hearted individuals, he can continue the age-old tradition of the town crier, ensuring that the echoes of history reverberate through time for all to hear and appreciate.