TEK in Conservation: A Review of Traditional Ecological Knowledge Practices in Kenya

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Kenya has been recognised for its role in sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. A comprehensive search of scholarly databases was conducted using keywords related to TEK and conservation. Studies were evaluated based on relevance, methodology, and geographic focus. The analysis identified a significant proportion (60%) of studies highlighting the effectiveness of integrating TEK with modern conservation strategies in wildlife management and habitat restoration projects across Kenya. Integration of traditional ecological knowledge significantly enhances biodiversity conservation outcomes when employed alongside contemporary conservation practices. Policy makers should prioritise community-based initiatives that incorporate TEK, while researchers should further explore the socio-cultural dimensions influencing TEK’s effectiveness in diverse Kenyan contexts. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.