Kenya’s journey from a nation defined by tribal affiliations to one striving for unity has been complex and filled with challenges. For decades, Kenya has wrestled with the legacy of a colonial past that used ethnic divisions to maintain control, a tactic that continued to shape politics long after independence. Yet, today, a new generation seeks to redefine what it means to be Kenyan. Tribal loyalties do not bind them, nor are they afraid to question the political practices perpetuating divisions. This generation—Kenya’s Gen Z—is leading the charge toward a tribeless Kenya.
Central to this transformation is the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki’s free primary education policy. Introduced in 2003, this policy did more than expand access to classrooms; it laid the groundwork for a generation that identifies more strongly with being Kenyan than with any one tribe. Additionally, insights from influential thinkers like Edward Said and Julius Nyerere provide valuable lessons for understanding and nurturing this vision of national unity. This article explores how Kibaki’s policy and the teachings of Said and Nyerere converge to shape a generation that dares to envision a Kenya united by shared values and collective aspirations.
The Tribal Dilemma: A Historical Context
Kenya’s struggle with tribalism has deep roots in its colonial past. The British colonial administration’s “divide and rule” approach separated communities, positioning them as rivals. By creating administrative boundaries based on ethnicity, the colonial government restricted interaction between tribes, fueling suspicion and competition for limited resources. This system created deep-seated divisions, making it easier for the British to control the population but leaving a legacy of fractured identity.
This divisive approach didn’t end with independence in 1963. Kenya’s first leaders, facing the challenges of a young nation, often fell back on tribal loyalties to consolidate power. Political parties became ethnic alliances rather than ideological coalitions, and as elections approached, tribal affiliations dictated voting patterns. The tragic climax of this ethnic polarization came during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, a period marked by widespread conflict and displacement. It was a wake-up call, underscoring the need for a cohesive national identity that could withstand political pressures.
Kibaki’s Vision: Free Primary Education for All
When Mwai Kibaki took office, he championed a vision centered on economic development and social equity. His administration’s launch of free primary education in 2003 was a game-changer. In the first year alone, over 1.5 million additional children enrolled in school, a testament to the widespread demand for education and opportunity. Kibaki’s policy was more than a strategy for improving literacy rates; it was a declaration of equality to ensure that every Kenyan child had access to education, regardless of ethnic or economic background.
This policy represented a profound commitment to social inclusivity. Kibaki’s education reforms fostered early cross-cultural interactions by bringing children from diverse backgrounds into shared classrooms. Children from different tribes learned, played, and grew together, forming friendships based on shared experiences rather than ethnic lines. For the first time, education became a bridge across tribal divides, nurturing a generation that would grow up with a stronger sense of Kenyan identity.
Education as a Tool for Unity and Transformation
For Kenya’s Gen Z, school became more than a place for learning; it became a space where national identity took shape. Across classrooms, children shared textbooks, teachers, and experiences, forging friendships that transcended tribal boundaries. Exposure to diversity at formative ages broke down stereotypes. It fostered mutual respect, leading to a generation that increasingly views itself as Kenyan first, challenging tribal labels that often defined previous generations.
Education has also empowered young Kenyans with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities. Kibaki’s reforms included civic education, teaching students about Kenya’s history, governance, and constitution. As Gen Z grew up, they began to question ethnic-based politics, recognizing the potential for a future where issues, rather than tribal allegiances, drive political engagement. This informed, critical perspective reflects a commitment to building a Kenya where national identity triumphs over tribal divisions.
Lessons from Edward Said’s Orientalism: How to Reclaiming Identity
Palestinian-American scholar Edward Said’s Orientalism (1978) examined how Western nations historically depicted Eastern societies through stereotypes to justify colonial rule. Said argued that these representations perpetuated an “us versus them” mentality, reinforcing global power imbalances and colonial dependency.
Though Orientalism focused primarily on the West’s relationship with the “Orient,” Said’s critique resonates with African nations like Kenya. He demonstrated how colonial powers often constructed skewed narratives to justify domination, fostering dependency and control. For Kenya’s Gen Z, Said’s work offers a lens through which to view both external and internal narratives that limit Kenyan identity. By urging Eastern societies to reject imposed stereotypes, Said’s message encourages young Kenyans to challenge divisive stereotypes tied to tribal affiliations. Through social media, Gen Z is actively reshaping what it means to be Kenyan, embracing shared values over imposed identities and moving toward a unified national identity.
Lessons From Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Vision: Unity and Self-Reliance
Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, provides another powerful example of prioritizing national unity over ethnic divisions. His Ujamaa policy, rooted in African socialism, aimed to build a Tanzanian identity based on communal values and shared responsibility. While Ujamaa faced economic hurdles, its guiding principle of transcending ethnic boundaries remains relevant to Kenya.
Nyerere’s emphasis on unity and self-reliance provides a valuable model for Kenya’s Gen Z, who increasingly reject ethnic-based politics in favor of issue-based unity. Kibaki’s free education policy resonates with Nyerere’s vision, fostering appreciation for diversity and encouraging a national-first mentality. Additionally, Nyerere’s focus on self-reliance reminds Kenyans of the importance of sustainable, locally-driven economic policies to break free from neocolonial dependencies that have historically divided African nations.
The Gen Z Mindset: Issue-Based Politics Over Tribal Allegiances
Today’s Kenyan Gen Z approaches politics with a fundamentally different mindset from previous generations. Rather than aligning themselves with tribal leaders, many young Kenyans prioritize issues that impact them directly—such as unemployment, corruption, and the cost of living. This shift toward issue-based politics signifies a move away from the tribal voting patterns that have long defined Kenyan elections.
Gen Z’s activism is primarily facilitated by social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, where they can express frustration with government inefficiency, advocate for change, and rally around shared issues rather than tribal affiliations. This digital space allows them to exercise their free speech and expression rights enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. Article 33 of the 2010 Constitution guarantees “freedom of expression,” including the right to seek, receive, or impart information and ideas. Similarly, Article 34 upholds “freedom of the media,” ensuring that all citizens have a platform to voice their opinions without interference, while Article 35 grants every citizen “the right of access to information” held by the state.
By utilizing these constitutional rights, Kenya’s Gen Z is actively reshaping the political landscape, advocating for a unified Kenya that prioritizes the needs of all citizens over narrow tribal interests. As the 2027 elections approach, their influence could usher in a new political culture rooted in transparency, accountability, and a commitment to competence and integrity over tribal loyalty.
Mixed Marriages as a Pathway to Unity
With increasing interethnic interactions in schools, workplaces, and social settings, interethnic marriages have become more common among Kenya’s Gen Z. These unions will continue to serve as practical steps toward a Kenya where ethnic identities merge into a broader national identity. Article 45(1) of the Constitution recognizes the family as “the natural and fundamental unit of society,” offering a legal basis for embracing interethnic marriages as a pathway to unity.” This constitutional protection provides a legal foundation for embracing interethnic marriages as a pathway to national unity. By marrying across ethnic lines, young Kenyans starting their families exercise their constitutional rights and contribute to dismantling tribal barriers, aligning with the broader vision of a tribeless Kenya where national identity supersedes ethnic affiliations.
Children born to parents from different ethnic backgrounds often identify as “Kenyan” rather than with a particular tribe, fostering a generation that naturally bridges ethnic divides, a trend that will continue as we move closer to a new social order. Interethnic marriages exemplify the idea that cultural diversity can coexist within a unified identity. While such marriages alone won’t eliminate tribalism, they contribute to a societal shift that challenges ethnic-based politics. Over time, these unions can help shape Kenya, where ethnic identity is celebrated as part of a collective heritage rather than as a source of division.
Additionally, Article 44 of the Constitution protects individuals’ rights to use their language and participate in the cultural life of their choice, provided it is consistent with the Constitution. This provision acknowledges Kenya’s cultural diversity and supports the coexistence of various cultural practices, including interethnic marriages.
Challenges to the Dream of a Tribeless Kenya
Despite Kibaki’s efforts, subsequent administrations have faced challenges in maintaining the quality and accessibility of free primary education. The administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta, while preserving the policy, encountered obstacles such as overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages, especially in under-resourced areas. In 2015, to alleviate the financial burden on families and encourage higher enrollment, Kenyatta’s administration increased the capitation per secondary school student from Ksh 10,265 to Ksh 12,870 and then to Ksh 22,244 in 2018.
The Elimu Scholarships program was introduced, benefiting 9,000 academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds each year. Alongside these efforts, the government shifted focus to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), emphasizing practical skills and competencies over rote learning. However, the CBC required extensive resources and further stretched Kenya’s limited educational infrastructure.
Under President William Ruto’s administration, the focus has shifted to ambitious reforms to overhaul the education sector to address these long-standing issues. A notable initiative has been the establishment of a national education fund to mobilize grants, bursaries, and scholarships from public and private sources to address non-tuition costs and improve access to education for all students. The Ruto administration has also committed to hiring 56,000 new teachers and constructing 1,800 laboratories to improve the student-to-teacher ratio and enhance learning environments nationwide.
However, while free primary education remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s education system, concerns about quality and accessibility persist, particularly in underserved regions, complicating the policy’s impact on addressing the concerns raised by educators, parents, and students alike.
The Broader Challenge of Building a Tribeless Kenya
Despite educational reforms, Kenya’s journey toward a tribeless society faces significant obstacles. While Kibaki’s free education initiative opened doors for many young Kenyans, the deep-rooted nature of ethnic politics and persistent economic inequalities complicate the vision of a unified national identity. Tribal identities remain deeply embedded in Kenya’s political and social fabric, where politicians continue to exploit ethnic loyalties as a means of consolidating power. As long as the political system rewards ethnic loyalty, tribalism will remain a powerful force, hindering the creation of a tribeless Kenya.
Economic disparities across regions further reinforce perceptions of ethnic favoritism. When certain regions feel neglected regarding resources and development, these grievances often manifest as ethnic tensions. If left unaddressed, such inequalities can undermine efforts toward a unified national identity. Closing these gaps is essential to fostering inclusive and equal citizenship for all Kenyans.
There is also a risk that the vision of a tribeless Kenya could be co-opted by political elites, who might use the language of unity to win over young voters but then revert to ethnic politics once in office. This “politics of convenience” threatens to erode genuine progress, potentially leaving Gen Z disillusioned and wary of the political establishment.
The Dream of a Tribeless Kenya: Kibaki’s Lasting Legacy and the Road Ahead
Kibaki’s introduction of free primary education was more than a policy; it was a vision for an inclusive Kenya. By expanding access to education, he empowered a generation to question tribalism and advocate for national unity. However, realizing a truly tribeless Kenya will require ongoing commitment and action.
The teachings of Edward Said and Julius Nyerere offer Gen Z a framework for redefining Kenyan identity. Said’s critique encourages rejecting divisive narratives, while Nyerere’s example demonstrates the value of unity and self-reliance. Together with Kibaki’s commitment to education, these insights illuminate a promising path forward.
Kenya’s journey toward a tribeless future is challenging but attainable. Kibaki laid a strong foundation, but Kenya’s Gen Z must carry this vision forward. By embracing these lessons, this generation has the opportunity to define Kenyan identity through unity, shared values, and progress, realizing a future where tribal divisions are a part of history and a collective, tribeless identity prevails.