Despite age catching up with some of the members, Kochia dancers have not been deterred from thrilling crowds of distinguished guests at various functions with their sensational, energetic traditional dance moves.
The members of the group that has been active since its inception in 1958 have not only dedicated themselves to entertaining guests but have also been pivotal in helping preserve the Luo culture with the iconic Ramogi dance.
Kochia has showcased African culture during national holidays, at cultural festivals and even traveled overseas and represented the Luo culture in the United States of America.
They, however, claim to have been forgotten by the government and that they, alongside other traditional cultural ambassadors, have not been given enough recognition by the national government despite their relentless efforts to help preserve the Kenyan cultre.
“There is more than meets the eye,” says Paul Orwa who is the leader of the group.
“At the end of the day we have families who depend on us to provide for them but the little amount we earn from our shows in most cases is inadequate, “adds Orwa.
He says that their livelihoods are hanging in the balance and they have not been able to live their dreams.
According to the oldest member who is also the only surviving member of the lot that started the dance group in 1958, Joseph Aludo Alaka, 75, they have always been paid peanuts.
“There is a minister of sports and culture at the national government who is earning a salary whereas we are earning nothing,” laments Alaka.
Alaka says the only way the government can ensure that groups promoting local cultural heritage survive in the future, is by taking into consideration the welfare of the members of the few groups that are in existence.
"With the preservation of our cultural heritage hanging in the balance, we call on the national government and the county government to put a lot of focus in promoting and preservation of the local culture," he said.
They are calling on the government to come up with policies that will encourage the preservation of local cultural heritage and also offer adequate support to the Kenyans who have dedicated their lives for this course.