Communicaton via emblems: the case of University emblems in Kenya

Abstract

This study is an outcome of investigation of emblems Kenya universities use as identification marks; it the study was intended to establish whether or not emblems are accurate communication devices. In order to achieve this principal aim of the study, a few emblems were selected from public and private universities. The selected emblems were used in semi-structured interviews with design professionals, design students and members of the public. Data thus collected was analyzed paving way for generalizations and recommendations. Prior to fieldwork, this researcher analysed relevant literature found in libraries within Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The review [of relevant literature] revealed that history of emblems in Kenya is closely related to colonial history of the country. Analysis of literature also suggested that emblems reside in visual communication, in general, and communication in via graphic representation, in particular. Internet was also the other source of secondary data for analysis; this [Internet] was the source of the more recently designed emblems, symbols, logos and other identification marks. This study reveals that Kenya universities use emblems that do not always accurately communicate with target audiences. Recognition and association of emblems are often closer for Universities that are older and more established, the case of the University of Nairobi