Kisii County Commences The Process Of Documenting Indigenous Knowledge
The Mt Kenya Times 
Dr. Evans Taracha, a chief researcher at the National Museum addressing the press at Kisii County. Photo /Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
Worth Noting:
- They will train 30 youths for one week, said they will move around the county in the next 30 days to document the indigenous knowledge and later uploaded in the system after which they will look for a way to add value to the content before marketing it abroad.
- Taracha assured the residents that their content will not be used without their knowledge as there are legal frameworks that govern the process so that only the local communities can benefit from it.
- Other counties where similar activities are ongoing include Kilifi, Murang’a, Makueni, Garissa, Tharaka Nithi, Marsabit, Kericho, Turkana, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga and Narok.
The National Government through the State Department for Culture and Heritage has commenced the process of documentation and digitalization of indigenous Knowledge and Associated assets in Kisii County.
Dr. Evans Taracha, a chief researcher at the National Museum, said Kisii County was among the 13 counties selected in the pilot phase to document their Indigenous knowledge as it is very rich in culture.
Taracha said among the things they will be documenting are the traditional foods, traditional medicine, which will later be commercialized to improve the economy of the local people.
He said that they want to secure and document indigenous knowledge so that our grandchildren will benefit with a rich traditional knowledge.
He said they have identified 30 youth to champion the documentation process, who will move in every village to gather and document the indigenous knowledge.
They will train 30 youths for one week, said they will move around the county in the next 30 days to document the indigenous knowledge and later uploaded in the system after which they will look for a way to add value to the content before marketing it abroad.
Dr. Taracha assured the residents that their content will not be used without their knowledge as there are legal frameworks that govern the process so that only the local communities can benefit from it.
Other counties where similar activities are ongoing include Kilifi, Murang’a, Makueni, Garissa, Tharaka Nithi, Marsabit, Kericho, Turkana, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga and Narok.
Samuel Bosire Secretary General Abagusii Council of Elders said that cultural and traditional artifacts have long played a vital role in preserving the heritage of various cultures especially in Kenya.
“For the Future of our generation it is good to document our culture, “he said.
However, he said that the practice seems to be under threat of disappearing with time and an emerging generation that seems to lack interest in their culture.
Bosire cited that African heritage should be preserved is through the creation of cultural museums and centers. These institutions showcase the art, music, and cultural artifacts of various African societies and provide a platform for visitors to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage of the continent.
He also added that the African heritage is should be celebrated through festivals and cultural events, such events bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate and experience the music, dance, and traditions of Africa.
In 4th Nov, 1998, the World Bank and Partnership for Information and Communication Technology for Africa (PICTA) published a framework for action on the documentation of indigenous knowledge (IK).
This was to ensure encourage appreciation of global cultural diversity, and so foster relationship with, thus the developing the World Bank action plans. Founded on community practices, institutions, relationships and rituals, the publication says IK is the basis for setting sustainable development goals.
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