This archive report was first published on 22 August 2021.
Kenya's Constitution of 2010 acknowledges the significance of culture in shaping the nation's identity. Article 11 emphasizes the value of cultural heritage in the country's governance architecture.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, culture is defined as 'the customary beliefs, social norms and material traits of racial, religious and social groups' and 'an integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behaviour that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations.'
Kenya's cultural diversity is a reflection of its 43 ethnic communities, each with its unique customs and practices. This diversity is a double-edged sword, as it can both enrich the nation's cultural heritage and create divisions among its people.
As Prof Christopher Coker of the London School of Economics notes, culture has become a significant factor in modern politics. Identity politics, which emphasizes the importance of cultural identity in shaping political choices, is a growing trend in many countries.
In Kenya, cultural identity plays a crucial role in shaping political choices, with many voters electing leaders based on ethnic or tribal considerations. This has led to a highly ethnicized political environment, which undermines the quest for a Nation-State.
A Nation-State is built on two fundamental principles: state sovereignty and national sovereignty. However, Kenya's cultural diversity poses a challenge to building a unified national identity.
Transforming Kenya's cultural landscape requires strengthening existing cultural institutions within the context of Article 11 of the Constitution. This involves promoting cultural values such as respect, tolerance, love, and peace, and rethinking leadership and governance to build inter-ethnic and cross-cultural bridges.
By embracing our cultural diversity and promoting cultural values, we can build a truly Kenyan Nation-State founded on cultural foundations.
Mr. Choto is a legal and policy analyst. Email: [email protected]
