The Kenya Oral Literature Association (KOLA), which publishes Ngano: The Journal of Eastern African Oral Literature, is a professional association of writers, researchers and scholars in Kenyan universities and oral artists from various communities in Kenya. The basic interest of KOLA members is to advance the study of orality and oral literature as a means of community appraisal. This is achieved through research, publications, workshops and conferences, and performances. KOLA has been in existence since 1986.
The vision of the KOLA is grounded on the understanding that today’s reality has its genesis in the ancient wisdom of the people. For people to understand themselves in the rapidly modernizing environment, they have to appreciate, nurture and apply the positive stream of their culture as revealed through their oral tradition - narratives, songs, dances, proverbs, and artefacts. KOLA strives to enhance the preservation of oral literature as a response to the UNESCO objective of revitalising intangible heritage.
The organization has a membership of over one hundred researchers and scholars from the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University, Baraton University, Daystar University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kibabi University, Masai Mara Univerity, Mount Kenya University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa among others. KOLA equally has over 200 members who are oral artists from various Kenyan communities, and over two hundred high school teachers spread across Kenya. It has experience in hosting international, regional and national conferences and regular workshops focusing on oral literature, culture, research and scholarship.
All submissions to NGANO Journal of Eastern African Oral Literature are first reviewed for completeness and only then sent to be assessed by an Editor who will decide whether they are suitable for peer review. Where an Editor is on the author list or has any other competing interest regarding a specific manuscript, another member of the Editorial Board will be assigned to oversee peer review. Editors will consider the peer-reviewed reports when making a decision, but are not bound by the opinions or recommendations therein. A concern raised by a single peer reviewer or the Editor themselves may result in the manuscript being rejected. Authors receive peer review reports with the editorial decision on their manuscript.
