True patriotism can anchor Kenya’s sovereignty and forge a deep sense of pride

By Billy Gichohi

Kenya’s flag, featuring black, red, green and white colours carries the symbolism of our nation’s soul. So does our anthem. Both our flag and our anthem are emblems of our collective identity that should always tower above any manifestation of ethnic jingoism.

No nation can ever truly prosper if ethnic divisions and political cynicism are allowed to take centre stage. But beyond sentimentalism, it is important to remember that patriotism is a strategic tool by which citizens reclaim sovereignty and nurture national pride.

True patriotism thrives best among people with a sense of history. On that score, it should never leave our collective mind as Kenyans that our history is woven with threads of struggle that gave (and continues giving) us a reason to stick together.

From the fight for independence to the 2010 constitutional referendum, memorable moments of national cohesion have hinged on a shared love for the country. Never mind that there have been interludes of dissension fomented usually by political dissent fomented more often than not by ethnic chauvinists.

That notwithstanding, amid whatever global pressures and internal fractures, patriotism serves as both a shield and a compass. It should never be forsaken at any one given time. It is important to recall that Kenya’s 2010 Constitution was endorsed by a notable 68% of voters in a process that showcased patriotism as a civic duty.

Beyond that, Kenya has earned global acclaim in instances that should make us proud people who should also jealously protect our brand in the eyes of other nationalities.

For example, Kenyan troops have elevated our global stature by participating in peacekeeping missions in other jurisdictions around the continent and beyond.

What we need right now as a nation is a moment of recalibration and introspection in matters of patriotism so that at no time do we allow ourselves to become cynical about what we have as a people that others covet yet some of us may despise.

Let us take the case of Singapore for instance. Singapore’s daily school pledge and mandatory national service instil pride in a once-disparaged “swamp.”

By linking individual contribution to national success, Singapore has over the years transformed patriotism into a driver of prosperity. As things stand today, patriotism in Kenya risks manipulation.

Some of Kenya’s senior most politicians have shown no qualms in their knack for fanning ethnic fundamentalism for political gain. That jaundiced view of politics is a terrible indictment to the pursuit of patriotism.

It is unfortunate that according to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), 67% of Kenyans prioritise ethnic identity when under duress. This statistic demands urgent redress. Here, Kenya can learn from Germany and Japan, where post-war guilt tempered nationalism, fostering a patriotism rooted in moral accountability rather than supremacy.

All is not lost. Initiatives such as the Ministry of Education’s “My Kenya, My Pride” campaign, which highlights historical heroes, can rekindle pride in our youth. Similarly, reimagining national symbols can democratise patriotism. On the overall, we must shun criticising for the sake of criticism.

As Wangari Maathai demonstrated, patriotism thrives when criticism is rooted in love. By framing patriotism as a pan-African ideal and construct, Kenya can amplify its sovereignty on the global stage and make it an integral part of our national brand that we flaunt proudly whenever we go.

To hem in a deep patriotic spirit among Kenyans we must first reject both cynical defeatism and toxic tribalism. Instead, we should embrace a form of patriotism that is inclusive, critical and aspirational.

As Singapore aptly demonstrates, patriotism is not a relic; rather it is a renewable resource. For Kenya, the task is clear. It is to weave our diverse threads into a tapestry where love of country transcends clan, and sovereignty is measured not by power but by pride. In the words of our own anthem, “Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together.”

Our work as a people is cut out – period!

Gichohi is an aspiring politician currently working for a Nairobi-based international organisation that supports small-scale farmers undertaking transformative farming projects in East Africa.