Over the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of visiting many parts of the world and I can confidently confirm that I have not known a country with so much potential as Kenya does ever since I first set foot in this uniquely endowed nation back in 2014. But as it usually happens, human beings hardly value what they have until it’s lost or till they visit places that accord them the opportunity to make informed comparisons.
I have been to and also read stories of the rise of Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and China. I have taken a keen interest in how various European nations have evolved and how the United States of America has, over the years, built its reputation. I have also taken time to understand how my native motherland, India has evolved before, during and after colonisation and I am convinced that unless a nation defines her soul keenly, it is likely to be swayed by bastard influences that may forever encumber smooth sailing to safe shores let alone sustained prosperity.
In the quest for national identity, countries around the world and across history have long sought to define not just their borders, but also the essence of what it means to belong to a nation. This is the essence often referred to as the “national soul.” It is a concept that encapsulates the collective values, dreams, history and cultural heritage of a country. For Kenya, a nation rich in diversity, history and potential, defining her national soul is one of the most significant steps towards fostering unity, guiding development and establishing a shared vision for a more rewarding future.
But what really is a national Soul? The idea of a national soul is a powerful metaphor wrought in deep yet intangible forces that bind a nation together. It’s not merely about national symbols or historical narratives—though these are important—but more about the collective consciousness, shared beliefs and the emotional and spiritual essence that defines the character of a country. A national soul, therefore, is the very heartbeat of a nation. Just as individuals have a sense of self that guides their decisions and behaviour, so does a nation’s soul provide moral direction, a sense of belonging and inspiration to walk a well defined talk.
This idea of a national soul isn’t new. Nations like the United States, Germany, France and Japan have a history that shows how the contours of their souls were defined. Countries that have shaken off the curse of dreariness and defeat at certain points in history, be it Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea and even China—rose from the debris only when their souls were finally clearly defined.
Indeed, the notion of the “American Dream”, for example, is not a mere slogan. Rather, it is a guiding principle that embodies the spirit of opportunity, freedom and self-reliance that has shaped the United States since its inception. Similarly, the “French spirit” is often associated with a history of revolution, intellectualism and cultural sophistication.
Yet, these national “souls” are not static; rather they evolve over time, get shaped by historical events, cultural shifts and the changing aspirations of the people.
Kenya, at 60 and with its vibrant mix of people groups, languages and cultures is uniquely positioned to explore and define its national soul now more than ever before. With a population of over 50 million people, Kenya’s mosaic of traditions, beliefs and histories, there is no shortage of reasons to get redefined away from what I view as perpetual political contestation driven more by selfish demands of inward looking individuals than the desire to unlock huge unexplored potential of what I consider as Africa’s greatest giant in waiting.
In my view, Kenya will claim its supremacy in Africa if she does the following four critical things.
One, reunite her 40-plus off people groups, not on account of historically proven political proclivities or ethnic ‘cousinage’ but on the meritocracy that defines her citizenry in general. A deliberate effort to be blind to ethnic jingoism will pave the way for a better and less fragmented view of a potentially great nation that Kenya is, in my considered opinion. The sense of belonging that Kenya should aspire to must transcend ethnic or regional loyalties for the true soul of a greatly endowed nation that is Kenya to emerge.
Two, Kenya will do way much better if she prioritises national character over mere and clinical national development and economic growth or infrastructure development bereft of a clear sense of rectitude and heartbeat. No nation, I am convinced, ever achieves greatness without a clear sense of shared purpose, a defined moral compass, character, and by extension, a soul.
Three, unless Kenya installs a national soul that emphasises values such as integrity, service to the people and a commitment to justice, personal gain is likely to cloud significance of the pursuit of public good. The atmosphere created by the inordinate pursuit of personal gain over greater public good only ends up destroying public confidence and blurring the vis vitae of a national soul.
Four, articulating what Kenya truly stands for away from politically instigated naysaying can inspire citizens to work together towards a common purpose that is not distracted by election cycles and politically inspired jaundice. A well-defined national soul should, therefore, offer hope, direction and a firm sense of belonging. These elements are crucial in creating a more cohesive and prosperous nation that prioritises institutions more than transient events.
Defining Kenya’s national soul will unlock the country’s full potential because the soul of a nation is the animating principle of its greatness whether in waiting or in reality.
The author, Sundeep Sharma is a student of world history by choice and well-respected financial analyst and systems integration specialist with years of experience in various jurisdictions mainly in Asia, parts of Europe and now Africa.
