Kenya, a country rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, finds itself grappling with a complex identity crisis that touches on multiple facets of its national fabric. From the absence of a unifying national identity to the glorification of questionable wealth, Kenya faces challenges that many developing nations encounter in their journey towards self-realization and progress.

But what exactly is Kenya’s national identity? This question lies at the heart of our national discourse and shapes how we see ourselves as a people. Is it our diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that define us? Our reputation as long-distance running champions? The warmth of our hospitality? Or perhaps it’s our linguistic diversity, with Swahili serving as a unifying tongue? Is it our resilience in the face of adversity, or our entrepreneurial spirit? Could it be our rich cultural tapestry? Or is it something less tangible – a shared set of values or aspirations that bind us together as Kenyans?

The Elusive National Identity

As we ponder these questions, one of the most striking aspects of Kenya’s struggle with identity becomes apparent: the absence of a national dress. Unlike India with its iconic sari or Indonesia with its kebaya and batik, Kenya lacks a universally recognized traditional attire that symbolizes its nationhood. This absence is symptomatic of a broader issue – the struggle to forge a cohesive national identity that transcends tribal and ethnic boundaries.

Countries like Japan, with its kimono, or Scotland, with its kilt, have successfully used traditional dress as a unifying symbol. These garments not only represent their cultural heritage but also serve as a source of national pride and identity. Kenya’s failure to establish such a symbol reflects the challenges of uniting a nation composed of over 40 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own rich cultural traditions.

Rewriting History: The Outsider’s Perspective

Perhaps even more concerning is the state of Kenya’s historical narrative. Much of the country’s rich history is documented in books written by foreigners, a situation that raises questions about the authenticity and perspective of these accounts. This reliance on external sources for historical knowledge stems from a deliberate retelling – or perhaps, more accurately, a selective telling – of Kenya’s past.

Some might argue that the concept of Kenyan identity itself is rooted in colonial history, rather than being an organic development. While languages like Kiswahili and English serve as unifying factors, they don’t necessarily create a deep-seated sense of national identity. For many, being Kenyan is viewed as a practical necessity – a label required for official documentation like identification cards and passports – rather than a profound personal or cultural affiliation.

Moreover, the prominence and meaning of Kenyan identity can fluctuate based on the political landscape. In a system where patronage networks significantly influence access to opportunities and protection from state hostility, people may adjust their expressed identities opportunistically. This fluidity of identity underscores the complex and often pragmatic nature of national belonging in Kenya, reflecting the ongoing challenges in forging a unified national identity that transcends ethnic, social, linguistic, and political divisions.

In contrast, countries like China have taken active steps to reclaim their historical narratives, investing heavily in archaeological research and historical preservation to tell their stories from their own perspectives. By supporting local historians and encouraging the study of our past from a Kenyan viewpoint, we can reclaim our history and ensure it reflects our true heritage.

The works of Egyptian historians, for example, provide an authentic narrative free from the distortions of foreign perspectives. Similarly, the Indian government has established numerous initiatives to preserve and promote indigenous historical research, ensuring that the stories of India’s past are told by Indians themselves. Kenya can take inspiration from these examples to foster a stronger connection between its people and their history.

The Politicization of Heroism

While Kenya has long been celebrated for its world-class athletes in long-distance running, the nation’s narrative of heroism remains largely dominated by political figures. This imbalance underscores a broader trend of politicizing national achievements while downplaying contributions from non-political spheres.

In Kenya, political leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Dedan Kimathi are prominently featured in the nation’s pantheon of heroes. Their roles in the struggle for independence and subsequent governance have understandably shaped Kenya’s historical narrative. However, the exclusive focus on political leadership limits the diversity of role models and sources of national pride available to Kenyans.

Many countries have successfully balanced political and cultural heroes, creating a more inclusive national narrative.

For instance:

• India celebrates a diverse array of heroes, from political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to cultural icons such as Rabindranath Tagore (literature) and Sachin Tendulkar (cricket). This approach showcases India’s multifaceted national identity.

• South Africa honors both political figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, as well as sports stars such as Francois Pienaar (rugby) and cultural ambassadors like Miriam Makeba (music). This diverse representation reflects the nation’s journey from apartheid to a rainbow nation.

. Japan venerates not only political leaders but also artists like Hayao Miyazaki, athletes such as Ichiro Suzuki, and cultural icons like Sadako Sasaki, the inspiration behind the paper crane peace symbol. This approach highlights Japan’s contributions across various fields.

• Jamaica have successfully balanced political and cultural heroes celebrating both political leaders like Marcus Garvey and cultural icons such as Bob Marley and Usain Bolt, showcasing the nation’s outsized impact on global culture and sports.

Embracing Diversity in National Heroes

To foster a more inclusive national identity, Kenya must broaden its definition of heroism to encompass achievements beyond politics.

This could include:

• Athletes: Kenyan athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Catherine Ndereba have achieved remarkable success in sports, becoming global ambassadors for Kenya’s athletic prowess.

• Artists and Cultural Icons: Figures such as Ngugi wa Thiong’o in literature, Mekatilili wa Menza in resistance movements, and Wangari Maathai in environmental activism represent Kenya’s cultural and social contributions.

• Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Individuals who have made significant advancements in technology, business, and social entrepreneurship should also be celebrated for their contributions to national development.

By celebrating a diverse range of achievements, Kenya can inspire future generations and foster a sense of national pride that transcends political affiliations. This approach not only enriches the national narrative but also empowers Kenyans to recognize and appreciate excellence in various fields beyond traditional definitions of heroism.

The Cult of Questionable Wealth

Another troubling aspect of Kenya’s national psyche is the widespread admiration for individuals of questionable wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “get rich quick” mentality, has led to a culture where the source of one’s wealth is less important than its display.

This stands in stark contrast to countries like Sweden or Norway, where transparency in wealth accumulation is highly valued, and ostentatious displays of wealth are often frowned upon. These Nordic nations have cultivated a culture that prioritizes ethical business practices and social responsibility over personal enrichment at any cost. Sweden’s Jantelagen (Law of Jante), for instance, discourages flaunting wealth and emphasizes humility and equality. Kenya must shift its values towards integrity and transparency, fostering a society that respects hard work and ethical success.

Measuring Against Mediocrity

Nelson Mandela once noted, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” This observation underscores a troubling tendency in Kenya to measure itself against mediocre standards. Rather than aspiring to global excellence, there’s a propensity to find comfort in outperforming struggling neighbors.

This mindset is a far cry from the ambition displayed by countries like Singapore or South Korea, which have transformed themselves from developing nations to global economic powerhouses in a matter of decades. These nations set their sights on competing with the world’s best, rather than settling for regional superiority. Singapore’s vision of becoming a “first world oasis in a third world region” illustrates the power of setting high aspirations.

Kenya must adopt a similar mentality, setting high standards and striving for excellence in all aspects of national life.

The Challenge of Wayward Leadership

One of the most pressing issues Kenya faces is wayward leadership. Corruption, lack of accountability, and short-sighted policies have often hindered our progress. This has led to a consideration of whether a more authoritative leadership style, as seen in countries like South Korea and Rwanda, might be beneficial.

In South Korea, Park Chung-hee’s authoritarian regime played a crucial role in the country’s rapid industrialization and economic growth. Despite his controversial methods, his leadership laid the foundation for South Korea’s transformation into a technological and economic powerhouse.

Similarly, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame has been credited with stabilizing the country and fostering economic growth after the 1994 genocide, though his governance style is often criticized for being repressive.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that authoritarian rule has often led to disastrous outcomes. Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe’s leadership saw economic collapse, hyperinflation, and widespread human rights abuses.

Similarly, Myanmar’s military junta has suppressed democracy and stunted the country’s development for decades. These examples underscore the potential dangers of concentrating power in the hands of a few, even when initially done with good intentions.

Countries like Botswana have achieved steady economic growth and social progress while maintaining a relatively stable democratic system. Botswana’s success highlights the importance of strong institutions and good governance over individual strongmen. By building robust institutions that can withstand political changes, Kenya can ensure long-term stability and progress.

The path forward for Kenya lies in striking a delicate balance between strong, visionary leadership and democratic accountability. This involves fostering a political culture that values competence, integrity, and long-term thinking while maintaining checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.

Charting a Course for Kenya’s Future

As we navigate these complex challenges, it’s clear that Kenya’s journey towards a strong national identity and sustainable development is multifaceted. The absence of a unifying national dress, the outsourcing of historical narratives, the narrow definition of heroism, the worship of questionable wealth, and the tendency to measure against mediocrity all contribute to our identity crisis. These issues are further complicated by questions about effective leadership and governance models.

Yet, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and transformation. By addressing these issues head-on, Kenya has the potential to forge a stronger, more cohesive national identity. This process will require honest introspection, a willingness to learn from other nations’ successes and failures, and a commitment to celebrating the diverse strengths that make Kenya unique.

As Kenya continues to develop and find its place on the global stage, it must strive to build an identity that is authentically Kenyan – one that honors its rich cultural heritage, celebrates a diverse range of national heroes, promotes ethical wealth creation, and aspires to compete with the world’s best. This journey will also involve careful consideration of leadership models that can drive progress while preserving democratic values and fostering inclusive growth.

By tackling these fundamental issues, Kenya can realize its potential as a nation united in its diversity and ambitious in its aspirations, charting a course towards sustainable development and a strong national identity. To paraphrase Gustav Mahler, “National identity is not the preservation of the ashes but the passing on of the fire.” It is time for Kenya to ignite that fire and forge a path towards a brighter, more unified future.