This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Published on December 5, 2019, the Building Bridges Initiative report has sparked a national conversation about the need for unity and cultural pride in Kenya.
The report, which was born from a historic handshake between President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, highlights the disconnect between Kenya's pre-colonial societies and its current state.
Many Kenyans yearn for a national ethos that allows them to reconcile their traditions with the changing world around them, according to the report.
However, the report also notes that this can only be achieved through a bottom-up process, where families and communities are imbued with a new sense of unity and pride in being Kenyan.
One of the key initiatives proposed by the report is the commissioning of an Official History of Kenya, which would document and promote ancient and historical monuments of national importance.
Additionally, the report suggests replacing Boxing Day with a National Culture Day to celebrate culture and learn about other Kenyans' cultures.
Ultimately, the report emphasizes that building a new Kenya requires the efforts of its people, who must work together to build bridges and foster a deeper understanding of one another.
As the report notes, Kenya is like a choir where everyone sings different notes and vocal ranges, but together, they can create beautiful music or a dreadful din.
It is now up to the people of Kenya to choose which path they will take.
