The government is collaborating with higher education institutions to document and digitize indigenous knowledge and cultural assets across the nation.
Josephat Lowoi Lodoyi, Head of the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit under the Office of the President, emphasized that indigenous knowledge serves as a powerful instrument for fostering inclusive growth and development.
According to Lodoyi, preservation efforts concentrate on traditional knowledge related to climate change adaptation, food security, and biodiversity, particularly by utilizing local, sustainable practices.
During his address at Maasai Mara University, Lodoyi stated that the initiative aligns with supporting the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act 2016. It involves training youth to establish repositories for community-based knowledge, including traditional medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Lodoyi highlighted that the Kenyan Constitution mandates the State to protect and enhance indigenous knowledge of biodiversity for all communities.
“Indigenous Knowledge represents the unique, traditional local knowledge that exists within and has developed around the specific conditions of a community indigenous to a particular geographical area, encompassing all aspects of life,” explained Mr. Lodoyi.
“It forms the basis for local-level decision-making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, natural resource management, and numerous other activities,” he added.
The global scientific community has acknowledged the significance of indigenous knowledge and endorsed it at the World Conference on Science held in Budapest, Hungary, in 1999.
The conference recommended the integration of scientific and traditional knowledge, particularly in the fields of environment and development.
Additionally, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge in natural resource conservation and disaster management.
Mr. Lodoyi observed that while indigenous knowledge remains intact among indigenous or local communities in many parts of Kenya, it lacks proper documentation and risks being lost as its custodians pass away.
He pointed out that documenting indigenous knowledge is crucial for ensuring that indigenous communities have their voices heard and respected in decision-making processes affecting their lives and environments.
The official stated that by formally institutionalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), policymakers can establish more inclusive frameworks that reflect the needs and aspirations of these communities.
According to Lodoyi, the documentation will serve as a foundation for advocacy, enabling indigenous people to assert their rights and influence policies affecting their land, resources, and cultural heritage.
He added that documenting IKS contributes to biodiversity preservation and sustainable resource management.
“The methodology for documenting indigenous knowledge must be culturally sensitive and participatory,” Lodoyi emphasized. “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 noted that documented knowledge should eventually be integrated into national development strategies, including Vision 2030 and local, sustainable development plans.
He indicated that researchers should collaborate with indigenous knowledge holders to co-create knowledge products that incorporate both perspectives.
“This collaborative effort not only validates indigenous knowledge but also empowers communities to take ownership of the documentation process, ensuring it serves their interests and needs,” said Mr. Lodoyi.
“In other parts of the world, documentation of indigenous knowledge has played a crucial role in negotiations with government authorities regarding land rights and resource development projects. By presenting 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 enhance collaboration between indigenous people and policymakers. When indigenous knowledge is recognized as a legitimate source of information, it creates opportunities for dialogue and partnership. This collaborative approach can lead to innovative solutions that leverage the strengths of both traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific methods,” he elaborated.
Lodoyi noted that by recognizing the value of IKS in addressing contemporary challenges, policymakers can foster more sustainable practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.