The Emancipation of the Maasai Indigenous Knowledge-Based System Through Decolonizing Education in Kenya

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Anticolonial Resistance and Knowledge-Based Systems (Table 2)

Abstract

Kenya's colonial legacy has marginalized Indigenous knowledge and cultures, particularly within the Maasai community. In 1920, colonial authorities opposed autonomous educational institutions for African students, invalidating the indigenous knowledge-based system. To address this, Kenya is promoting decolonization education and incorporating Maasai cultural teachings into the mainstream curriculum. This approach requires complete knowledge, power, and identity transformation, eradicating settler colonialism, and promoting collaborative expertise. By embracing critical pedagogy and decolonial theory, Kenya can confront colonial ideologies and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. By working with the Maasai community and valuing their contributions, Kenya can ensure their cultural heritage remains vibrant for future generations.

Author

• Jackson Mainai Shaa, Texas Tech University