This archive report was first published on 14 September 2021.
Published on September 14, 2021, a thought-provoking article in a Kenyan publication introduced the concept of Homo economicus, a new human species that has taken over the country.
The article posits that this species is driven by economics, with a strong desire to accumulate wealth and enjoy higher living standards without necessarily working for it.
According to the article, the liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s, which introduced the concept of the free market, played a significant role in the emergence of Homo economicus.
With the government no longer providing essential services like healthcare and education, individuals had to fend for themselves, leading to the rise of small and medium enterprises.
Mass education, particularly the introduction of the 844 system of education, also contributed to the evolution of Homo sapiens sapiens to Homo economicus.
The article notes that the younger generation is now predominantly Homo economicus, with many knowing the sweetness of money but not the drudgery of earning it.
Globalisation has also played a role in the promotion of Homo sapiens sapiens to Homo economicus, with exposure to the media, movies, and travel leading to the adoption of the language of money.
However, the article warns that the predominance of Homo economicus has led to unintended consequences, including inequality and nepotism.
As the country prepares for the next general election, economic issues have become a hot topic, with leading contenders proposing their economic models.
