By Henry Neondo
Elders have for generations been beacons of hope to majority of communities in Kenya, more so in Nakuru, Baringo, and Kericho Counties of Kenya where they have long been central to identity and sustainability, serving as custodians of ecological knowledge and cultural traditions.
For centuries, they have guided their people in maintaining harmonious relationships with their environment through practices rooted in respect, sustainability, and intergenerational wisdom.
However, the role of elders is increasingly being undermined by modern challenges, threatening both cultural heritage and ecological sustainability.
Understanding their critical role, the challenges they face, and the importance of restoring their authority is essential for ensuring the continuity of these invaluable practices.
The Role of Elders in Ecological Knowledge
Elders in these counties possess a deep understanding of local ecosystems, built over generations through lived experience and oral traditions. This ecological knowledge includes the identification of medicinal plants, weather patterns, soil fertility, and the behavior of wildlife.
For instance, says Kipkirui Koech an elder from Koibatek, noted that elders in Baringo, a region prone to drought and land degradation, know which plants are resilient to harsh conditions and can advise on sustainable grazing practices.
In Nakuru, elders have been instrumental in managing sacred natural sites, such as forests and rivers, which serve as biodiversity hotspots and spiritual sanctuaries.
“By declaring certain areas sacred, they enforce traditional taboos that protect these ecosystems from overexploitation,” said Patrick Miano, a youth in Molo.
Similarly, in Kericho, home to vast tea plantations and lush highlands, elders understand the delicate balance required to sustain agricultural productivity while conserving the environment.
Their role extends beyond knowledge-sharing to enforcement of traditional laws. Elders often mediate conflicts over resource use, ensuring equitable access to water, grazing lands, and forests. Their authority fosters community cohesion, encouraging collective responsibility for ecological conservation.
The Role of Elders in Cultural Traditions
In addition to ecological stewardship, elders are the custodians of cultural practices that define their communities’ identities. They oversee rituals, rites of passage, and ceremonies that celebrate the interconnectedness of people and nature. These traditions instill values of respect, humility, and stewardship, embedding conservation ethics into the social fabric.
For instance, in Kericho, elders play a central role in tea farming rituals that honor the land and its fertility. In Nakuru, they lead ceremonies in sacred forests, reinforcing the cultural significance of these ecosystems. Meanwhile, in Baringo, elders teach younger generations about the resilience and survival strategies of their forebears, offering guidance on how to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Challenges Facing Elders in Modern Contexts
Despite their pivotal roles, elders in these counties face numerous challenges that diminish their influence and threaten the continuity of their knowledge and traditions.
For Koech, there is erosion of authority of elders, mostly undermined by modern governance systems that prioritize formal education and legal frameworks over traditional practices. “Decisions about land use, resource management, and conservation are increasingly made without consulting elders, sidelining their wisdom,” noted Koech.
Further, Koech said the younger generation’s migration to urban areas and adoption of modern lifestyles have disrupted the transmission of traditional knowledge. With fewer opportunities for intergenerational interaction, much of the elders’ wisdom risks being lost.
Not helping matters is the rapid deforestation, land degradation, and climate change that continue to alter the ecosystems that elders once managed.
In Baringo, for example, overgrazing and soil erosion have reduced the availability of traditional plants, diminishing the elders’ ability to demonstrate their ecological knowledge.
But dwindling economic opportunities also contributed to the worsening situation. Poverty and unemployment in these counties have driven many to exploit natural resources unsustainably. This creates conflicts between economic survival and adherence to traditional conservation practices, further weakening the elders’ influence.
Even at policy levels, there is deliberate exclusionary actions that tend to see national and county-level policies failing to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into formal conservation strategies. “Elders are rarely included in decision-making processes, leaving a gap between local practices and institutional conservation efforts,” said Koech.
Restoring the Authority and Confidence of Elders
Restoring the authority and confidence of elders is crucial for sustaining cultural and ecological practices. This requires a multi-faceted approach that combines community initiatives, policy reforms, and educational programs.
This is particularly so in the context of the current rising ecological challenges that continue to perplex generations. Communities must recognize and reaffirm the value of elders’ knowledge and leadership. Initiatives that encourage intergenerational dialogue, such as storytelling sessions and mentorship programs, can help bridge the gap between elders and youth. This not only preserves traditional knowledge but also fosters a sense of pride and continuity.
Karangathi Njoroge, head of MEAP advises that governments and NGOs should actively involve elders in conservation and development planning. This includes creating platforms for elders to share their knowledge and participate in decision-making processes. Policies should also provide legal recognition and protection for traditional practices, such as the management of sacred natural sites.
According to Njoroge, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into formal education curricula can elevate its status and ensure its transmission. “Already, some segments of our societies have started doing so. For example, schools in Molo do invite elders to teach about local ecosystems, cultural practices, and sustainable resource management, fostering respect and understanding among students,” he said.
Paul Kamau, an elder from Gitaru village agrees with Njoroge. He said addressing the economic pressures faced by communities is essential for reducing resource exploitation. “Programs that promote sustainable livelihoods, such as eco-tourism, beekeeping, or agroforestry, can align economic incentives with conservation goals. Elders can play a key role in guiding these initiatives, ensuring they are rooted in local knowledge and traditions,” he said.
In addition, institutions of higher learning could also support these efforts by documenting and researching traditional ecological knowledge which can provide a permanent record of elders’ wisdom. “Collaborations between elders, researchers, and conservation organizations is needed to create repositories of knowledge that inform both local and global conservation efforts,” he said Kamau.
Reviving the roles of elders is not just about preserving the past; it is about securing a sustainable future. Their ecological knowledge offers solutions to modern challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. Their cultural teachings instill values of stewardship and resilience that are essential for long-term sustainability.
In Nakuru, Baringo, and Kericho, the revitalization of elders’ roles can strengthen community cohesion, enhance environmental stewardship, and ensure the continuity of traditions that have sustained these regions for generations. By bridging the gap between traditional and modern approaches, these counties can serve as models for integrating cultural heritage into contemporary conservation strategies.
The elders of Nakuru, Baringo, and Kericho Counties hold the keys to a wealth of ecological and cultural knowledge that is vital for the well-being of their communities and the environment. Despite the challenges they face, their wisdom remains a guiding light for sustainable development.
Working closely with the Maendeleo Endelevu Action Program (MEAP), a network organsiation of the African Biodiversity Foundation (ABN), the elders are restoring their authority and confidence is not merely an act of preservation but a step toward creating a more harmonious relationship between people and nature. Recognizing and supporting their contributions, can ensure that the invaluable legacy of these custodians continues to thrive, enriching both present and future generations.