The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Attaining Kenya’s Vision 2030: A Literature Review

Abstract

Rationale of Study – Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the traditional knowledge that is exclusive to a culture or society. In the knowledge-based economy, there is need for policy makers to innovatively use indigenous knowledge to realise their development targets. Unfortunately, IK has been abandoned, defamed and suppressed by most people due to either them being ignorant or arrogant. Thus, the role of indigenous knowledge in socioeconomic development remains unexplored. It is not strange, therefore, that the role of indigenous knowledge in the realisation of Kenya’s Vision 2030 is unclear. This study analysed the potential role that IK can play in the realisation of the social and economic pillars of Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Methodology – The study was designed as exploratory research. Data was collected through content analysis of the Vision 2030 and the documents of the projects implemented under it.
Findings – The findings indicate that IK has been integrated to projects in agriculture, education and tourism. However, the integration of IK in environmental conservation, health, cottage industry, reconciliation and values was inadequate. The challenges inhibiting the adequate integration of IK in these sectors included IK property rights, national policies, role of ICTs, controversial aspects of IK, and the tacit nature of IK.
Implications – The government of Kenya and other stakeholders can use the findings of this study to leverage on indigenous knowledge on socio-economic development.
Originality – Although this paper relies on existing literature, it nonetheless provides new perspectives to the topic. Hence it is original in terms of context, scope and application.