University of Warwick
Thesis title:
My research investigates the spatial and infrastructural legacies of British colonial detention camps in Kenya, established during the State of Emergency from 1952 to 1960 as part of the colonial government’s efforts to suppress the Mau Mau uprising. After independence, many of these camps were either shut down or repurposed, transforming into prisons, schools, hospitals, and irrigation schemes.
My primary research question is: How have the spatial and infrastructural legacies of British detention camps in Kenya transformed over time, and what impact do these transformations have on local memory and collective understanding of colonial violence?
The first step in understanding the present-day embodiments and transformations of these sites is to locate them. I will employ a multi-faceted methodological approach that includes thorough archival research in Kenya and the UK; utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the spatial distribution of the camps; conducting oral histories with Mau Mau veterans and communities living around former campsites; and performing field surveys to document remaining structures and landscape alterations.
The study will further employ digital humanities tools for both data analysis and public engagement through the creation of an interactive digital experience that visually explores the spatial distribution and transformations of the detention camps over time.
This research builds on a body of work I have developed as a co-founder of the transnational volunteer collective, the Museum of British Colonialism. Since 2018, I have led the mapping and documentation of six former detention sites in Central Kenya.
FOUNDER: AFRICAN DIGITAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
In 2019 I started African Digital Heritage, a Nairobi based non-profit organization that seeks to encourage a more critical, holistic and knowledge-based approach to digital solutions within African heritage. We work to digitize archives and historical sites, experiments with innovative technologies, conducts interdisciplinary historical research and does capacity building with audiences and organizations to develop their digital skills.
CO-FOUNDER: MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLONIALISM
In 2018 I co-founded the Museum of British Colonialism (MBC), a joint British-Kenyan initiative that aims to present under-represented perspective of British colonialism. In a major project, the MBC has worked to publicly disseminate the previously suppressed history of detention camps during the Mau Mau Emergency in Kenya in the 1950s by creating 3D site reconstructions of the camps and presenting these in physical and digital exhibitions.
CO-FOUNDER: OPEN RESTITUTION AFRICA
I am the co foudner of Open Restitution Africa, a women led, open data project seeking to make accessible information on restitution of African material culture and human ancestors. By documenting the rich legacy of restitution efforts led by African communities, experts, and institutions, ORA aims to reshape the restitution narrative to center African practitioners, increasing the effectiveness of such processes across the continent and worldwide.
I am a digital heritage specialist who is interested in developing digital resources and tools for individuals and institutions working in low-resourced heritage environments. More recently I have developed an interest in spatial technologies such as deep mapping and through my resarch I hope to continue exploring how this expands engaement and understadning of suppressed histories.
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