This study employed systematic review methodology to explore 67 articles that included peer reviewed articles and gray literature at the intersection of artificial intelligence technologies and indigenous knowledge management in Specialized Kenyan libraries between 2021 to 2025. The target journals included African Online Journal, Web of Science and ACM digital library. The findings show that the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in indigenous knowledge management among Specialized Kenyan libraries remains at the conceptual phase. Indigenous knowledge management activities and practices mainly among corporate, government, cultural heritage and agricultural libraries are unstructured, fragmented and unsupported by artificial intelligence technologies. The libraries face challenges such as insufficient technical capacity, absence of a defined policy framework, inadequate funding, and limited goodwill from key stakeholders. Nonetheless, artificial intelligence technologies present significant opportunities in Specialized Kenyan libraries, with many already cognizant of the technology and its benefits. Artificial intelligence technologies have the potential to revolutionize, enrich and optimize indigenous knowledge management, use and application in Specialized Kenyan libraries. However, meaningful progress and impact has to be achieved to strengthen the technical capacity of information professionals, develop supportive policy framework and infrastructure and also advance context-specific artificial intelligence tools. This study contributes to literature by closing the gap on artificial intelligence and indigenous knowledge management in African special libraries. It also offers insights to practitioners, policy makers and researchers seeking to safeguard indigenous knowledge in the phase of artificial intelligence technologies

Authors:
Johnson Masinde, University of Embu, Kenya
Daniel Wambiri, Kenyatta University, Kenya

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Johnson Masinde is a Lecturer in Information Science at the University of Embu, Kenya. His research focuses on AI, knowledge management, digital transformation, information access and inclusive and sustainable information systems.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnson-masinde-96988674/

Prof. Daniel Wambiri Muthee is a Professor at Kenyatta University with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His expertise includes Information Management, Ethics, Knowledge Management and Digital Governance.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-daniel-muthee-751887a4/

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnson-masinde-96988674/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Johnson-Masinde

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