Ever wondered about a community that faced doubts about its very existence? That is the story of the Jomvu community. Today, we are standing in Jomvu. It is a constituency in Mombasa County, Kenya. Jomvu was carved out of Changamwe Constituency in 2010. This happened after the New Constitution was created.
In 2019, Jomvu had a population of 163415 people. The Jomvu community is a sub-tribe of the Swahili people. They live mainly along the coastline in Jomvu Kuu. You can also find them in parts of Kisauni constituency. The women of Jomvu are known for their pottery. They use clay sand and incense sticks. This craft is passed down through the generations.
The Jomvu community is a minority tribe in Kenya. They have often been ignored. Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has been a strong voice for the community. He has called for the government to recognize them. Twalib emphasized the importance of unity. He believes that a united voice will be heard by the national government.
The Mombasa county government has already recognized the Jomvu. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has included their cultural festival in the county’s yearly events. Twalib is lobbying for a Wajomvu Cultural Centre. This center would showcase the traditions and heritage of the community. He envisions tourists visiting the center. It would be like visiting Fort Jesus or Gedi Ruins. The cultural center would also boost business for the community. They are known for their pottery and weaving. Traditional pottery could be done on a larger scale. This is because there would be a market for the products. Even an international market. Twalib hopes to equip the center with modern machinery. This would make weaving and pottery faster and more convenient.
A story tells that the Jomvu became potters out of necessity. There were two sisters who lived in a place rich in clay. One day, one of them was forming clay. She had an idea. The sisters divided the work. One harvested clay. The other prepared it. They molded pots. Traders loved the pots and exchanged them for food. This is how the pottery business started for the Jomvu. The business has been passed down through generations. The pots are mainly sold at Mwembe Tayari. Clay pots preserve food and keep water cold.
The Jomvu community adheres to Islamic values. The Jomvu community continues to thrive. They contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Kenya. The community elders want the youth to preserve their traditions and cultural heritage.