Policy Brief No. 14 of 2022-2023 on Fostering National Identity through Selected National Values for Economic Transformation in Kenya

Abstract

National identity is the feeling of belonging to a particular nation. It is an experience that pushes one to act in the best interest of the nation. National identity can be built through shared values. Kenya is cognizant of this fact and has identified values of patriotism, rule of law, national unity and democracy, and public participation that cut across different ethnic groups as part of its national values to create a national identity. Further, Kenya adopted these values as part of the 17 national values as a foundation for its national development plan, the Kenya Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a middle-income economy characterized by an annual sustained economic growth of 10%, a just and cohesive society with equitable social development, and an issue-based, people-centered, result-oriented and accountable political system. Studies have shown that a country has the potential to achieve economic transformation if its citizens practice values they identify with. A strong national identity is geared to translate into economic transformation.