Nairobi: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST): marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, culture, and traditional practices for future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the celebrations at the university, Director of the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies, and Climate Change Prof. Josephine Ngaira emphasized the institute’s mission to empower local communities and older generations. The goal is to preserve indigenous forests, foods, and medicines using modern methodologies.
Prof. Ngaira noted the institute’s aim to bridge the gap between modern science and indigenous knowledge and cultures. She expressed concern over the loss of valuable knowledge held by older generations among the younger population, as young people increasingly abandon indigenous ways of preserving food and using traditional medicines, despite the extensive knowledge these communities possess.
Prof. Ngaira stated, ‘One of the most important goals is to empower the local communities and the older generations to be able to protect our indigenous forests and our indigenous foods using modern methodologies.’
This year’s celebrations focused on the theme, ‘Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being,’ acknowledging indigenous midwives as custodians of traditional knowledge and caregivers who play a crucial role in passing knowledge from one generation to another. Traditional midwife Philis Mutei encouraged young people to embrace safe traditional family-planning practices and learn from indigenous health systems, stressing the need to preserve knowledge passed down through generations.
The university also announced its plans to plant 130,000 indigenous trees across Western Kenya. This initiative aims to combat climate change, conserve biodiversity, and protect local ecosystems. The indigenous trees to be planted include medicinal and culturally valued species such as Markhamia lutea (Lusiola) and Croton megalocarpus (Musine).
The celebrations brought together indigenous communities and other stakeholders to showcase the value of traditional knowledge and promote its integration with modern scientific approaches.
