The stigmatisation of indigenous knowledge in Kenya: Status and interventions

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This paper investigates the current status of the stigmatisation of IK in Kenya while also examining the interventions to curb the stigma.
Methodology – A mixed methods research design was employed, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Seven counties were selected for the study, comprising Western (Kisii and Migori), Eastern (Machakos and Kitui) and Central (Meru, Nairobi and Nyeri). Primary data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Secondary data was collected through content analysis of literature on IK in Kenya. The quantitative data from the key informant interviews was analysed using SPSS software, while data from the FGDs was analysed using qualitative data analysis software (NVivo).
Findings – The study found that most of the communities in Kenya have indigenous knowledge; most of the indigenous knowledge and practices are threatened by nonutilisation; preservation of indigenous knowledge has started in some areas, but a lot still needs to be done; and westernisation or modernisation poses a great threat to indigenous knowledge.
Implications – The study recommends implementing structures to protect and preserve indigenous knowledge.
Originality – This work presents new findings on IK in Kenya that have not been documented or presented anywhere else.