Description
The traditional knowledge of a people or society is their indigenous knowledge (IK). Ensuring that indigenous knowledge does not become extinct is the goal of many cultural heritage institutions, in tandem with the resident communities. Indigenous knowledge adoption and preservation, therefore, is a cultural heritage activity that is treasured abundantly by the Keiyo Community of Kenya.
Kenya is endowed with a rich historical and cultural heritage and is popularly known as the Cradle of Mankind. Traditional African beliefs play a significant role in the lives of Kenyans despite adapting to modern values. The Keiyo Community has not been left behind.
The Keiyo Community is part of the bigger Kalenjin Community of Kenya comprising the Kipsigis, Nandi, Pokot, Sebei, Sabaot, Tugen, Marakwet, Ogiek, Terik, and Sengwer. They are a people who feel connected by a complex mix of kinship, culture, history and more importantly; geography. It is the shared picturesque Elgeyo-Escarpment, in Elgeyo Marakwet County, that binds them together.
They are a people proud of their traditions: bequeathed them by their ancestors and passed on from generation to generation. The Community professionals birthed an initiative of establishing the Keiyo History Culture and Heritage (KHCH) Centre. The Centre is currently a registered Association in Kenya: under State Department of Culture AND Registrar of Societies. Its Vision is a united, cohesive and prosperous community that holds to the highest esteem its History, Culture and Heritage. Its Mission is to document, preserve and promote Community rich History, Culture and Heritage, celebrating its age-old indigenous knowledge, art, customs, music, crafts and traditions. The establishment of a Keiyo Cultural Centre is currently ongoing. This Cultural Centre shall house both the physical and digital repositories. It will serve also as the community’s meeting point, as a hub for cultural activities, ecosystem conservation, education, and social interaction for the Keiyo, local, national and global communities: to enhance both community cohesion and showcase dividends of indigenous knowledge inculcation. In addition, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Culture and Religion Mix, Eco-system Preservation, Climate Justice and Financing: for Food Security, Robust Livelihoods, Community Co-existence and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms shall be internalized.
| Title | COMMUNITY PROSPERITY & RESILIENCE THROUGH INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ADOPTION & PRESERVATION |
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