Nationalism in Kenya Took Roots During the Colonial Period When Kenyans Were Struggling

Abstract

Nationalism in Kenya took roots during the colonial period when Kenyans were struggling for independence. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, globalisation predominantly changed the political, cultural and socio-economic structures of Kenya as there was an increase in the flow of goods, people and communications technologies which brought about interaction among people of diverse cultural backgrounds and new styles of thinking. Therefore, nationalism was seemingly taken to be under threat and the thinking that the two concepts cannot coexist began to gain track as globalisation facilitates the movement from being a national to a global citizen.

This research therefore attempts to analyse and explore the intricate, yet complex relationship between nationalism and globalisation within the Kenyan context during the contemporary period of 1990 to 2012. Nationalism in Kenya has a long and rich history which began during pre-independence with the coming of the white settlers. It called for unity among Kenyans during colonial times and continued to do so post independence, however with the rise of capitalism during the late 1980s and early 1990s Kenya as a state was not exempted from the fast pacing world phenomenon known as globalisation, which took root in the state, and with it came new ideas, technologies and the movement of people. This prompted citizens to reflect on their self-identities and facilitated a melting point of cultures within Kenya, thus leading to a clash between nationalism and globalisation.

After an in-depth examination of the evidence, it is concluded that Kenyan nationalism and globalisation can coexist as they both fit within the liberalist framework. It is contended that globalisation encourages hybridity and multiculturalism however at the same time people still have the autonomy of preserving their national culture in the midst of a cosmopolitan society. Furthermore, it is concluded that nationalism is not simply a response to globalisation as people still identify with their nation through past experiences and national projects.