Policy Brief No. 23 of 2022/2023 on Makers and Breakers of National Unity in Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan national anthem, which is a symbol of national unity, emphasizes that if the country dwells in unity, peace, and liberty it can generate plenty of resources within its borders to drive desired development. The pressing threats of disunity and high levels of discontentment cause citizens to mistrust public institutions, fail to participate in democratic processes, shy away from participating in public matters or projects, fail to uphold the rule of law, avoid holding public leaders to account, fail to coexist peacefully, engage in bribery and corruption, and fail to advocate for their rights, among others. Kenya has experienced threats to national unity through previous occurrences such as the post-election violence of 2007 where approximately 1,200 people died and an additional 650,000 people were displaced from their homes; ethnic clashes mostly among pastoral communities; corruption in both public and private sector; mismanagement of public resources; discrimination in employment, among others. The government is committed to national cohesion and integration through the 17 national values and principles to achieve the desired development of the Kenya Vision 2030.