MAKUENI, Kenya – Indigenous knowledge (IK) is essential for maintaining customs, dialects, and traditional practices that have been passed down through the centuries.
It includes knowledge of medicine, agriculture, storytelling, and customs that help establish a community’s identity.
The government promotes sustainable development and guarantees the preservation of the community’s legacy by incorporating IK into conservation and education initiatives.
In light of this, the Makueni County Government has collaborated with several organisations to use IK for the benefit of its citizens.
The National Museums of Kenya is one such organisation. The devolved unit has been hosting several consultative forums with registered micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) participating in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitisation (IK DoDi) Project through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program.
Makueni trade show and investment conference
The sensitisation forums aim to prepare participants for an impending trade show and investment conference where they will present assets and products based on indigenous knowledge that has been documented and given priority in Makueni.
In line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023–2027), the next conference, which has as its topic Heritage-Based Enterprises, will provide a forum for exhibitors to meet possible partners and investors for product development and commercialisation.
Speaking at one of the forums, the County Executive Committee member in charge of trade, marketing, industry, culture, and tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, highlighted that the Heritage-Based Enterprise agenda seeks to empower local communities, promote tourism, and enhance education on Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
“By leveraging indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities while preserving the cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.
Who does the Makueni IK program target
The program explicitly targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognising the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer, Dr. Josslyn Nzilani; NMK’s Patrick Maundu; and the Director of Culture, Mutua Mulonzya.
In Kenya, indigenous knowledge is an important asset for peacebuilding, healthcare, and sustainable land management.
The 2016 PTKCE Act, which attempts to preserve and advance traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, is proof that the Kenyan government has acknowledged its significance.
In the context of Kenya, this emphasises the value of indigenous knowledge, which is specific to a culture or society. The application of indigenous knowledge promotes resilience and communal development.
