Entrenched Ethnicity: Kenya's Persistent Political Divide 60 Years Post-Independence

Sixty years since gaining independence, Kenya faces a deep-rooted challenge that has shaped its political landscape: the persistent use of ethnicity as a tool to divide, rule, and mobilize voters during elections. Despite modern policy issues that surface, ethnicity remains the default strategy for most Kenyan politicians seeking power, with the approach being more systematic than coincidental.

Kenyan society is composed of around 40 ethnic groups, making it a melting pot of minorities. Historically, presidential races in Kenya have seen top candidates emerge from the larger ethnic communities, mainly the Kikuyu and Kalenjin. This has not only fostered exclusion but also heightened ethnic resentment and competition for state resources.

In Kenya, ethnicity can be termed as the gatekeeper of political power and social status. The concept of ethnically-informed political alliances is embedded in the governance system; it is used as a tool by the elites to perpetuate their power and maintain an uneven status quo. Over the years, the government has institutionalized ethnic groups, creating an ethnocracy where political fortunes are inherently tied to tribal affiliations.

Elections in Kenya commonly reflect these ethnic divisions—most vividly in the catastrophic aftermath of the disputed 2007 elections. However, the transitional elections of 2002 and the recent one in 2022 showcased instances where ethnicity took a backseat, met with cautious optimism and controversy.

Ethnic politics materialize in Kenya in several ways. Firstly, the political system bears colonial legacies of extraction and discrimination, heavily relying on ethnic affiliations. Secondly, unresolved historical land injustices and a lack of redress for ethnically-instigated violence have cemented ethnic identities. Thirdly, a pervasive disregard for the rule of law and an elite’s effort to distort history magnify ethnic divisions. Lastly, political figures draw on ethnic loyalty to influence voter decision-making.

The constitution enacted in 2010 aimed to mitigate these ethnic tensions by mandating inclusive state appointments and the devolution of resources. However, without a shift in the political culture and societal norms, the constitutional safeguards have limited efficacy.

These strategies go beyond just the rural populace—the urban elite are key proponents. As modernization impacts livelihoods, those at the top tier exploit ethnicity to maintain access to socioeconomic privileges. The disparities in development and education across different communities further intensify these ethnic cleavages.

Kenya has, at times, demonstrated its potential to rise above ethnic politics. Pre-independence elections highlighted what could be achieved through vision and national appeal. The falling out amongst post-colonial elites, however, intensified ethnic consciousness and political repression. The focus drifted from policy to ethnic mobilization, constraining sociopolitical discourse.

Alternative political ideologies, such as class-based politics, have struggled against the dominant narrative of ethnicity, though the 2022 presidential candidate William Ruto attempted to shift the discussion towards economic disparities. Whereas his victory suggests some openness to change, the transformation from tribal to class-based or policy-oriented politics remains a slow and arduous process.

For Kenya to truly break away from the shackles of ethnic politics, comprehensive reforms are necessary. This includes decolonizing state institutions, reforming the education system, enforcing social justice, and galvanizing the rule of law to serve all Kenyans equitably. However, there’s considerable resistance from the political elite, who perceive such changes as threats to their entrenched positions.

As Kenya commemorates 60 years of sovereignty, one of the most significant triumphs would be to overcome the divisions that have long been a roadblock to true unity and progress. The move towards a Kenya defined not by tribal affiliations but by shared aspirations and equitable opportunities for all its citizens remains the goal yet to be achieved.