Indigenous knowledge research in Kenya

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the anchor for survival and stability in indigenous communities and acts as the information base for local-level decision making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, natural resource management, and a host of other activities especially in rural settings. Although IK plays an important role in buttressing the survival of communities, available evidence indicates that it is neglected, vindicated, stigmatised and suppressed among the majority of the world's communities. Consequently, its true potential is hardly realised in most communities. An aspect of neglect of IK is exemplified in the level and scope of research conducted and published about it. This present study investigated the current state of indigenous knowledge research in Kenya by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the relevant research outputs in the country. Data for the study was collected through content analysis of the publications on IK in Kenya found in Google Scholar. The issues analysed include the nature of publication, authorship details, publication trends, as well as the focus of publication. The findings indicate that there is minimal research on IK in Kenya. The findings also revealed that most of the research on IK in Kenya is conducted by foreign nationals. Therefore, the authors conclude that IK is still marginalised in Kenya. The results of this study can be used by the Government of Kenya to develop policies which mainstream indigenous knowledge as a critical national intellectual asset through research. The findings may also be used by training institutions to recognise IK and develop relevant curricula to enhance capacity on it.