Africans are regarded as the straying species when it comes to appreciating their style of dressing. An African who still adorns traditional outfit is seen as a backward fellow, who is not sensitive to changing times. But as days go by, tables seem to be turning, and non-Africans are now giving Africans a taste of their own medicine. The modern westerner feels proud adorning a Kanga (an African outfit) than an Asian Sarong. So much has the westerner appreciated the African style that the African feels attracted to an outfit he had willingly trashed.

Najivunia kuwa Mkenya ,a Swahili phrase for ‘Proud to be Kenyan,’ should be applied throughout Africa so that everyone becomes proud to be African. This doesn’t mean that Africans should go back to the ‘loin-cloth’ days. It is only a reminder that the responsibility to uphold our heritage lies with us. So wide is a range of styles to choose from that a Kenyan does not need an official national dress to look African.

The Kanga is a special piece of clothing whose role in the entire African society cannot be ignored. It is characterized by dominantly huge and tiny prints in bright colours. Having originated at the Indian Ocean’s coastal region of Zanzibar 150 years ago, the kanga has taken time to evolve into a modern fabric piece that is equally acceptable to the youth and the elderly. It is used widely to identify the African outlook on the local and international scene.

An East African’s wardrobe without a kitenge, kanga, kikoi or Maasai shawl is incomplete. It leaves out garments that denote African identity. Kitenge (another African textile of a thicker quality) is the big sister of kanga. It usually has a border-like design along the edges. It is printed by using rotary spinning machines in wax dyes. Specific patterns are designed for national holidays, jubilees and election campaigns.

A touch of kitenge in business tones down the formality occasioned by plain colored outfits and designer suits that are a common feature in the African executive’s wardrobe. A scarf cut from a kitenge reflects a true African in all circumstances. Although the modern African has been influenced to believe that tight is beautiful, clothes do not have to be figure-hugging to be attractive. A loose fitting kanga around the waist on a weekend or at the beach adds more dignity to your beauty.

One more beauty with the kanga is that it can be used to send a message through common Swahili proverbs - or just messages the wearer wishes to send across. The messages may be political, of national interest or just personal expressions. The messages are usually written on the lower edge of a kanga.

The African’s predicament keeps on shifting whenever he sees his own ‘trash’ looking better on someone else. It is rather obvious that one feels a sense of envy from within. I suppose, sooner or later, Africans will be proud of who they are and religiously adorn what is legally theirs.