Sessional Paper No. 08 of 2013 on National Values and Principles of Governance

Abstract

This policy holds that a nation’s values define a people’s identity. They are fundamental beliefs of a nation guiding the choices, actions and behaviour of its citizens. National values exert influence on the way citizens relate with each other and how communities engage each other. They impact the pace and direction of national development. This policy recognizes that good qualities of her people and the shared national values will set Kenya apart as a great nation. Therefore, this policy sets out the building blocks for the construction of a great nation. Shared national values offer a people a platform to address challenges, and a sense of rootedness and belonging. Consequently, the challenges, referred to in the problem statement, can be clustered into five main areas and addressed by values relating to (i) strong national identity (ii) effective representation and leadership (iii) equitable allocation of resources and opportunities (iv) good governance and (v) sustainable development. Kenyans need to inuka (arise) to address the challenges