This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
The Hidden Threat of Stereotyping in Kenya ¶
Published on September 18, 2019
Stereotyping is a pervasive problem in Kenya, often hidden in jokes and social media trends, but it has serious consequences, including lost opportunities and division among Kenyans.
One recent example of stereotyping is the backlash against Kikuyu women following the murder of billionaire Tom Cohen. The late billionaire's wife, Sarah Wairimu, is the top suspect in the case, and this has drawn Kenyans' interest.
However, soon after Sarah Wairimu was identified as a suspect, Kenyans on social media almost immediately branded all Kikuyu women murderers. This is a classic example of stereotyping, where people are judged based on their tribe or name, rather than their individual actions.
Kenyan comedians, for instance, thrive on tribal jokes, which have created constant stereotypes. Anytime someone learns of your tribe, there is always that joke about a stereotype he's heard. 'So you are a Luhya, I guess we'll have to cook more food now': 'So you are a Kamba, come witness the magic of running tap water, I know you've never seen that.'
Another fast-developing stereotype is one according to names. There have also been stereotypes about shoes, that if someone puts on Timberlands then he's more likely to be a thug. However, the shoe stereotype was just seasonal.
The name stereotype is catching up fast. You've heard of people's characters being judged because of their first names. For instance, if you're dating a Kevin or a Brian, it increases your chance of being heartbroken.
There are many stereotypes in Kenya, and it is one of the nation's biggest problems. People judge others before they even get a chance to hear them speak. Judging people because they're from a certain tribe, prefers a specific fashion, or because of their name has made many people lose great opportunities.
