Traditional posho mill among the Abagusii as indigenous innovation in entrepreneurship

Abstract

African indigenous knowledge is important in innovations, but due to negative perceptions by foreigners, some were discarded and became extinct due to lack of handover to subsequent generations. This could have been avoided if African culture had been incorporated in western education to bring the young and old together in common task of knowing, bettering and sustaining what was ideal in their environment. The Abagusii invented the traditional posho mill [etinga] as an enterprise for the business of grinding cereals. It was widespread in different regions in gusiiland of western Kenya. However, instead of research being done to modify and improve its speed and preservation, it was left to become extinct. This study assessed how the posho mill could be modified and used in modern times. It used both interview and observations in collecting data from older people with indigenous technical knowledge of the invention and operation of etinga that can be one of Kenya’s and Africa’s innovations through branding. It is advantageous as it uses water energy in turning turbines, does not pollute the environment; has readily available water, and minimal maintenance once installed. Thus etinga should be modified and used in modern society