First International Investment Conference & Trade Fair on Indigenous Knowledge Intellectual Assets

Macharia David
writer Taifa Leo news 

 The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has officially launched a media campaign and fundraising drive for the 1st International Investment Conference & Trade Fair on Indigenous Knowledge Intellectual Assets (IKIA) 2026, set to take place in Murang’a County. The event, aimed at showcasing and commercializing Kenya’s rich indigenous knowledge (IK) resources, will bring together investors, researchers, policymakers, and local community representatives.
The launch, held at NMK headquarters in Nairobi on 28th January 2026, was flanked by  H.E. Stephen Munania, Deputy Governor of Murang’a County, and representatives from the Council of Governors. Local community leaders, IK asset owners, investors, and researchers were also present.
 Prof. Mary Gikungu, Director General of NMK, welcomed participants, highlighting the conference as a milestone in Kenya’s heritage-based enterprise agenda, which aligns with the NMK Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan. She noted that the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project has successfully rolled out in 13 counties, creating a foundation for value addition, commercialization, and wealth creation for local communities.
“The Phase 1 IK DoDi has resulted in the establishment of an indigenous knowledge innovation bank which will provide a platform for commercialization, job creation, and improved livelihoods for local communities,” Prof. Gikungu said.
“It is now time to make this initiative a reality. This media launch is a critical step towards a successful conference and trade fair.”
Mr. Edwin Abonyo, Chairperson of the NMK Board of Directors, underscored the importance of treating resource holders as partners rather than suppliers. He emphasized ethical business models, clear ownership, and fair benefit-sharing as central to harnessing the potential of indigenous knowledge assets.
“Indigenous knowledge offers solutions that are deeply connected to nature, culture, and sustainability—solutions that modern innovation cannot easily replicate,” Mr. Abonyo stated.
“This conference will provide a platform for investors, researchers, policymakers, and local communities to interact, explore, and develop new business opportunities.”
The conference in Murang’a aims to connect local communities with investors, create markets for indigenous knowledge-based innovations, and promote heritage-driven economic growth. NMK’s Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program and its partners have already set up an innovation bank, linking IK assets with commercialization potential, with plans to expand the IK DoDi Project to all 47 counties in phases.
Prof. Gikungu and Mr. Abonyo called upon investors, development partners, county governments, and media houses to support the conference through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and participation, stressing that the event will help unlock the economic potential of Kenya’s indigenous knowledge heritage.
“Heritage-based enterprises are not just about preservation—they are about creating sustainable livelihoods, fostering innovation, and sharing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage with the world,” Prof. Gikungu concluded.
The 1st International Investment Conference & Trade Fair on Indigenous Knowledge Intellectual Assets is expected to serve as a national and international platform for showcasing Kenya’s cultural wealth, exploring investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development anchored in indigenous knowledge.

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