Kenya stands on the precipice of a monumental decision, one that could shape the course of its future.
Amidst the backdrop of the 2017 electoral stalemate, which saw the country teeter on the edge of inter-ethnic tension, the proposed amendments to the 2010 constitution through the Building Bridges Initiative signal a potential new dawn for this East African nation.
A Handshake that Changed the Landscape
The iconic handshake between opposition stalwart Raila Odinga and the incumbent president, Uhuru Kenyatta, in March 2018, emerged as a beacon of hope for many Kenyans. This unanticipated alliance under the Building Bridges Initiative sought to pave a path towards national unity and address the underlying issue: ethnic antagonism and competition.
“Ethnic conflicts in Kenya,” as highlighted by the report, are more than clashes between communities. They’re symbolic of a political system that often feels like a zero-sum game, where the winner takes all, and the rest are left grappling for representation.
Ethnic Recognition: A Global Perspective
While Kenya’s ongoing debates centre on ethnicity in governance, equitable resource allocation, and the future role of its political elite, this isn’t a struggle unique to Kenya. Our book, Diversity, Violence, and Recognition: How Recognising Ethnic Identity Promotes Peace, delves deep into similar dilemmas faced by diverse nations worldwide.
The evidence we unearthed was illuminating. A pattern emerged by analysing constitutions and peace agreements from 57 conflict-ridden countries, from the hills of Afghanistan to the political corridors of Northern Ireland. 43% of these documents recognised specific ethnic groups, often culminating in fewer societal clashes, economic upliftment, and more robust democratic institutions. Yet, this outcome was intertwined with who held the reins of power.
Africa’s Dance with Ethnic Recognition
Interestingly, while ethnic recognition is more sparingly embraced in Africa, Burundi and Ethiopia stand out. The positive peace trajectory of Burundi, post the 2005 constitution that institutionalised ethnic quotas, starkly contrasts the Rwandan approach, where an aversion to ‘ethnic identity’ remains, perpetuating underlying inter-group mistrust.
Ethnic recognition isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While Burundi’s approach fosters intergroup contact and integration, Ethiopia leans towards regional autonomy, which is currently revealing its volatility.
Looking Ahead: The Kenyan Conundrum
As Kenyans stand at this constitutional crossroads, there’s much to glean from global experiences. The stakes are high, and the implications are vast. But now, the nation possesses an invaluable opportunity: to learn from the past, deliberate on the present, and mould a future where every Kenyan, irrespective of ethnicity, feels seen, heard, and represented.
“Constitutional moments are high stakes and institutional choices matter.” This sentiment is not just for Kenya but for all nations that yearn for unity in diversity.
Kenya’s constitutional revision, as proposed by the Building Bridges Initiative, is more than a legislative shift. It’s a reimagining of a nation’s identity, a bid to create a more inclusive and cohesive state. As the world watches, Kenya’s choice could be a beacon for other countries grappling with similar ethnic diversities.