https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7323 2026-08-17T01:31:37Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8418 Ontologies of ich symbolic tacit Indigenous knowledge of a bull among the Isukha community, Kenya Muruli, Elphas; Owano, Ashah; Oyieke, Lilian The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the ontologies of intangible cultural heritage that facilitate the transfer of symbolic tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull (STIKaB) among the Isukha community of Kakamega East Sub-County, Kenya. The following research objectives were addressed: establish ontologies of ICH symbolic tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull in Isukha, determine factors affecting these ontologies and propose amelioration strategies to safeguard ontologies of ICH symbolic tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull in Isukha. Drawing on focused ethnography, a purposively selected sample of 60 bull raisers and indigenous knowledge custodians took part through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations between January 2025 and January 2026. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo, with photographic and audio material used for triangulation in addition to the use of the knowledge transfer process and indigenous knowledge transfer models. Findings show that symbolic tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull (STIKaB) is distributed across interconnected domains of cultural life, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship. However, most of these ontologies of ICH are undocumented, making the transfer of tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull difficult. The study contributes to ICH scholarship by expounding how symbolic tacit knowledge operates beyond textual description, and to indigenous knowledge debates by positioning STIKaB as a dynamic, practice-based ontology sustained through lived cultural engagement, demonstrating that symbolic tacit indigenous knowledge is constituted through relational rather than classificatory logic. The study concludes that STIKaB constitutes a relationally sustained ontology rather than a fixed classificatory structure, with meaning continuously generated through lived cultural practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajtcr.9.1.5480 2026-08-04T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8417 Inclusive innovations in the transfer of tacit Indigenous knowledge of a bull as intangible cultural heritage among the Isukha community, Kenya Muruli, Elphas; Oyieke, Lilian; Owano, Ashah Tacit indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in discussions surrounding inclusive innovation, emphasizing the diversity of relevant stakeholders and marginalised viewpoints. Tacit indigenous knowledge is the deep-rooted, intuitive understanding and expertise that resides within individuals. The significance of tacit indigenous knowledge transfer includes cultural preservation through cultural ceremonies that convey important cultural meanings and build community resilience. Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is contingent upon the effective transmission of tacit indigenous knowledge across generations. This paper investigated inclusive innovations in the transfer of tacit indigenous knowledge of a bull, a central symbol in the Intangible Cultural Heritage among the Isukha Community in Kenya. Specifically, the study focused on strategies and approaches to inclusive innovations, namely: participatory methods; learning by interacting; apprenticeships and mentorship; integration of knowledge systems; strengthening local institutions and collaborative decision-making. The study adopted the Knowledge Transfer Process Model, which involves the following phases: Identify critical knowledge, Prioritize which knowledge is most important to transfer, Capture and Transfer this knowledge using various methods, and finally Share and Store it for future access and reuse. To achieve this, the study was guided by a descriptive qualitative research approach including ethnographic fieldwork, oral histories, and participatory observation. Data were collected through key in-depth interviews with community knowledge holders and focus group discussions focusing on observable interactions involving the bull, such as gestures, rituals, stories, songs, and healing practices. The community population was 111,743. A Sample size of 60 bull raisers, elders, culture teachers, bull enthusiasts, and indigenous knowledge experts was used. Inclusive innovations are vital in sustaining the transfer of tacit indigenous knowledge assets among the Isukha. The interplay of traditional practices and inclusive technologies presents new challenges and opportunities in tacit knowledge transfer of a bull among the Isukha community. Challenges include indigenous data sovereignty and free prior informed consent. Benefits include sustainable solutions, community empowerment, and overall deeper understanding of cultural processes and matters of a bull. The paper contributes to the case studies of indigenous communities and strengthens discussions on intangible cultural heritage of a bull through inclusive technologies and concludes that traditional oral methods are insufficient against cultural erosion. Researchers recommend implementing a structured knowledge capture model that integrates traditional practices with inclusive innovations to bridge generational and gendered gaps as a safeguard to this heritage. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajtcr.9.1.5478 2026-08-04T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8399 The colonial taxation structure and its impact on the Luhya women OF Busia district upto 1963 Muleka, Maureen A.; Okoth, Pontian G. Purpose of the Study: This paper sought to examine the colonial tax structure in Kenya up to 1963 and while only the men paid taxes, the consequences of taxation spared no one including the women. Therefore, this paper narrowed down to the effects of taxation on women using a case study of the Luhya community of Western Kenya specifically Busia District. Problem Statement: A tax may be referred to as a compulsory contribution to the state revenue, levied by the government on income, business profits or added to cost of some goods and services and transactions. Taxation is one of the aspects that both the traditional and modern societies share although the modes of payment and methods of collection may differ quite much. A shift from traditional to the modern modes of tax collection in Africa and thus Kenya was facilitated by the coming of colonialism. Colonial governments across Africa levied various levels of taxes which impacted the indigenous people in various ways. This article was supported by Lesley Ogundipe’s African Feminist theory which holds that women had an important role in the pre-colonial African society but the coming of colonialism affected their roles and generally deteriorated their status. Methodology: Data for this study was collected using primary and secondary sources. Primary sources involved archival sources and oral interviews while secondary sources focused on an analysis of existing literature on the topic under study. Result: The study found that, the colonial government in Kenya introduced various levels of taxes and that the introduction of taxation affected women despite the fact that it is the men that were the taxpayers. By studying these effects on the Luhya women of Busia District, the study found that women responded swiftly to the effects of taxation by quickly adjusting in various ways for the sake of their survival. Conclusion: The study therefore concluded that introduction of taxes in Kenya affected the lives of women by changing their roles and generally deteriorating their status. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8398 The future of historical writing: Will big data rewrite the past? Muleka, Maureen A. The historical landscape is being reshaped by the torrent of information known as big data. This research explores the potential of big data to empower historians, not replace them. By analysing vast datasets, historians can uncover hidden patterns, challenge established narratives, and create a more comprehensive understanding of the past. However, the limitations of data quality, inherent incompleteness, accessibility, and the risk of oversimplification necessitate a critical approach. The future of historical writing lies in a balanced partnership between big data's analytical power and traditional methods' focus on context and nuance. This synergy fosters a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the human experience across time. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58721/jraw.v1i1.566 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z