Abstract:
Indigenous knowledge serves as the foundation for solving the local problems that indigenous
communities experience. Therefore, it is a significant source of practical knowledge that promotes
sustainable development. Museums the world over have rich collections of indigenous knowledge.
The potential of this valuable knowledge to contribute to the realisation of the global development
agenda, exemplified by the Sustainable Development Goals, is dependent on the effectiveness of its
dissemination. Therefore, disseminating indigenous knowledge in museums not only helps to preserve
and celebrate cultural diversity but also promotes sustainable practices and encourages the recognition
of indigenous rights. This study explores the strategies museums have employed to disseminate the
indigenous knowledge they hold to support sustainable development goals on promoting the quality of
education (4.7), life on land (15.6), public-private partnerships (17.17), zero hunger (2.5), life below
water (14.2), and responsive climate action (13.3) in their jurisdictions. This study was conducted
using a systematic literature review. Data was collected from scholarly materials on the subject
retrieved from Google Scholar using Harzing’s Publish or Perish software application. The data is
visualised using VOSviewer. The findings revealed that IK on ecological conservation, traditional
medicine, agriculture, traditional crafts, oral tradition, indigenous languages, and governance
systems are available in museums in Kenya. This knowledge can be used by researchers, educators,
policymakers, tourists and community members. The knowledge is currently disseminated through
exhibitions, online platforms, and cultural exchange programmes. Sensitivities, intellectual property
rights, mistrust, language barriers and resource constraints hamper the effective dissemination of this
knowledge. Collaborative partnerships, documentation and preservation, education and outreach can
improve the dissemination and use of IK held by museums in Kenya.