PRESERVING HERITAGE, SUSTAINING CULTURE AND INSPIRING GROWTH

Indigenous knowledge [I.K] plays a crucial role in preserving culture in the country by safeguarding traditional practices, languages and customs passed down through generations.

I.K encompasses wisdom in agriculture, medicine, storytelling and rituals that define a community’s identity.

By integrating I.K into education and conservation efforts, the government ensures the continuity of the community’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program, on Tuesday held a consultative forum with registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project.

The sensitization forum was aimed to prepare participants for an upcoming investment conference and trade fair, where participants will showcase documented and prioritized indigenous knowledge-based assets and products in Makueni.

The forthcoming conference, themed Heritage-Based Enterprises, aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) will serve as a platform to connect exhibitors with potential investors and partners for product development and commercialization.

Speaking at the forum, the CECM for 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 cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.

The program specifically targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, NMK’s Patrick Maundu and Director of Culture Mutua Mulonzya.