The government is working with institutions of higher learning to document and digitise indigenous knowledge and cultural assets in the country.
Head of the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit under the Office of the President Mr. Josephat Lowoi Lodoyi said indigenous knowledge is a powerful tool for promoting inclusive growth and development.
Lodoyi indicated that efforts are focused on preserving traditional knowledge related to climate change adaptation, food security, and biodiversity, particularly through the use of local, sustainable practices.
Speaking at Maasai Mara University Mr. Lodoyi stated that the initiative that is in line with supporting the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act 2016, involves training youth to create repositories for community-based knowledge, including traditional medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
He stated that the Kenyan Constitution provides that the State shall protect and enhance indigenous knowledge of biodiversity of all communities.
“Indigenous Knowledge refers to the unique, traditional local knowledge existing within and developed around the specific conditions of a community indigenous to a particular geographical area, covering all aspects of life.
It is the basis for local-level decision-making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, natural resource management, and a host of other activities,” explained Mr. Lodoyi.
The global scientific community acknowledged the relevance of indigenous knowledge and endorsed it at the World Conference on Science held in Budapest, Hungary, in 1999.
The conference recommended that scientific and traditional knowledge should be integrated, particularly in the field of environment and development.
Also, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) recognises the role of indigenous knowledge in the conservation of natural resources and management of natural disasters.
Mr. Lodoyi observed that though indigenous knowledge is still intact among indigenous or local communities in many parts of Kenya, this knowledge is not well documented and it stands in danger of being lost as its custodians pass on.
He pointed out that documenting indigenous knowledge is essential for ensuring that the voices of indigenous communities are heard and respected in decision-making processes that affect their lives and environments.
The official said by formally institutionalising Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), policymakers can create more inclusive frameworks that reflect the needs and aspirations of these communities.
The documentation, Lodoyi said will serve as a foundation for advocacy, enabling indigenous people to assert their rights and influence policies that impact their land, resources, and cultural heritage.
He added that documenting IKS contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
“The methodology for documenting indigenous knowledge must be culturally sensitive and participatory.
Engaging with indigenous communities through collaborative approaches is essential to ensure that the documentation process respects their values and traditions.
This can involve conducting interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory mapping exercises that allow community members to share their knowledge in their own words,” he elaborated.
Mr. Lodoyi observed that documented knowledge should in future be integrated into national development strategies, including Vision 2030 and local, sustainable development plans.
He indicated that researchers should work alongside indigenous knowledge holders to co-create knowledge products that reflect both perspectives.
This collaborative effort, Mr. Lodoyi said, not only validates indigenous knowledge but also empowers communities to take ownership of the documentation process, ensuring that it serves their interests and needs.
“In other parts of the world documentation of indigenous knowledge has been instrumental in negotiations with government authorities regarding land rights and resource development projects.
By showcasing their knowledge through maps and narratives, some communities have effectively advocated for policies that respect their rights and promote sustainable land use,” he added.
He stated that policies informed by indigenous knowledge are likely to be more contextually relevant, addressing the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities while promoting sustainable practices that benefit broader society.
“Furthermore, documenting IKS can foster greater collaboration between indigenous people and policymakers. When indigenous knowledge is recognised as a legitimate source of information, it opens avenues for dialogue and partnership.
This collaborative approach can lead to innovative solutions that draw on the strengths of both traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific methods,” he elaborated.
Lodoyi noted that by recognising the value of IKS in addressing contemporary challenges, policymakers can foster more sustainable practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.
By Emily Kadzo
