TRIBALISM IN KENYA

CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ………………………………………………………………………………
LIST OF CASES………………………………………………………………………….
LIST OF ABBBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………
1.1 Background……………………………………………………………………….
1.2 Statement of the problem………………………………………………………….
1.3 Justification of the study………………………………………………………….
1.4 Research objectives……………………………………………………………......
1.5 Research questions………………………………………………………………...
1.6 Literature review………………………………………………………………….
1.7 Theoretical framework…………………………………………………………….
1.8 Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………
1.9 Research design and methodology………………………………………………...
1.10 Limitations………………………………………………………………………...
1.11 Chapter breakdown……………………………………………………………….

BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABSTRACT

Tribalism in Kenya is not inborn; it cannot be traced to ancient hatreds or warfare from
cultures clashing over the ages. The major opposing groups like Luo, Luhya and Kisii of
Western Kenya and the GEMA (Kikuyu, Embu and Meru people) from the Mount Kenya
area, had little contact with one another before the coming of the colonialists. Kenya’s
tribalism is therefore a relatively new phenomenon. It is a product of modern times arising
from colonialism, urbanization and the political culture that sprung up in independent Kenya.
Tribalism in Kenya has been a major stumbling block to democracy as well as socio-
economic development. It affects every sphere of development, from social economic,
political to educational spheres. In political spheres, tribalism persists since it provides an
avenue via which state goodies and favours trickle down from those in power to their
tribesmen. Therefore, loyalty to tribe is given ever greater relevance than loyalty to the
country. In every sector of development, tribalism has also been rampant. Employment has
been skewed, with members of certain community being given certain positions. Public
institutions in Kenya present a case where the members of staff are rendered tribal. Effective
performance of duty therefore becomes a big issue since tribalism affects work ethics. Ethical
practice of the members of staff is called for in order to safe the situation. The government
has mandate to apply the provisions of public officers’ ethical provisions owing to the very
ills of tribalism. Tribalism is responsible for a lot of ills in Kenya including
underdevelopment, corruption, rigging of elections and violence/civil war. In terms of
employment, people are given jobs based on tribe regardless of having low qualifications.
Hence the inefficient use of available skills. Thus, the very rationale of being educated lacks
meaning. Bad governance and lack of accountability has also been linked to tribalism as
people do not question a government run by their tribesmen. Delivery of services is also
hindered as the culture of impunity is also inculcated. Delivery of services in both public and
private institution where tribalism is rampant is also highly affected by tribal affiliations and
politics. Given this about the negative effects of tribalism in Kenya, there is a need to make a
deliberate effort towards gaining national consciousness rather that tribal one. Human beings
will ever be stratified along certain social stratification domains. However, development into
national consciousness calls for retaining self consciousness and at the same time working
towards the attainment of universal consciousness which is not limited to one’s tribe. Being
‘a Kenyan’ or ‘a Global Citizen’ should be the people’s tribe o
Declaration

I ,NATHAN KIPKOECH CHELUGET, do hereby declare that this research is my original

work and that to the best of my knowledge and belief ,it has not been previously ,in its
entirety or partly been submitted to any other university for a degree or diploma .Other works
cited or referred to are accordingly acknowledged.

Signed: …………………………………
Date: ………………………………….

This dissertation has been submitted for examination with my approval as university
supervisor.

Signed: ………………………………....

[Ms. Purity Wangigi]

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

TJRC Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission 

GEMA Gikuyu, Embu and Meru Association

POV Post Election Violence

IDP’S Internally Displaced Persons

NLC National Land Commission

NARA National Accord and Reconciliation Act

NCIC National cohesion and integration commission

JSC Judicial Service Commission

KNCHR Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

Apart from diseases and other natural factors, violence in Kenya is one of the single leading
causes of deaths. Violence within the country is mostly based on ethnicity, and during every
electioneering year the country is thrown into a state of paranoia. To curb this problem would
enable unity within the country, lead to economic growth and growth of infrastructure and
better service delivery to everyone in the country. If all this matters had been taken into
consideration after the 1992 and 1997 clashes then Kenya would have avoided the 2007
election violence.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Tribalism in Kenya is a major issue that needs to be addressed it affects all of us in one way
or another. Tribalism contributes to most of Kenya’s ails such as underdevelopment
corruption election malpractice and violence.

AIMS

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1.) To show effects of tribalism in Kenya
2.) To locate origin of tribalism
3.) To provide possible causes of tribalism
4.) To give solutions to tribalism
5.) To foster national unity through awareness

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

HYPOTHESES

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY