By Jemima Mukasa
Kenya’s exceptionalism is more than just a national attitude, it’s a pervasive mindset that seeps into every facet of our society, from politics and education to our responses to tragedies. This belief in our unique superiority whether as individuals or as a nation creates a culture where mediocrity thrives and community bonds weaken.
Corruption in Kenya exemplifies this exceptionalism. Those engaged in corrupt practices often view themselves as above the law, deserving of the wealth they acquire through illicit means. Over time, corruption has become a hallmark of exceptionalism in Kenya, where being corrupt is perceived as a means to rise above others. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where corruption breeds more corruption, eroding public trust and stifling the country’s development.
The quality of Kenya’s leaders mirrors broader societal issues, reflecting a tolerance for corruption and criminality. Many officials are embroiled in serious corruption cases, facing travel restrictions and allegations of heinous crimes, sometimes even captured on camera. This troubling reality reveals a societal acceptance of mediocrity and unethical behaviour, where leadership quality mirrors the values of the populace. Curiously, there’s a strange tolerance for corruption based on superficial perceptions. The previous regime’s corruption is often viewed as more acceptable due to its leaders’ display of wealth, whereas the current administration is criticized for lacking the “aura” of affluence. This bizarre comparison highlights the depth of our exceptionalism, as judgments are often based on appearances rather than the actual impact of corruption.
Compounding this issue is the illusion of relatability. Leaders from humble beginnings foster empathy among citizens, who see them as symbols of potential success. This belief leads to reluctance in supporting policies that could hinder these leaders, even when they engage in corruption, under the notion that they will eventually experience the consequences of their actions.
Tribalism exacerbates the problem, with politicians exploiting tribal loyalty to appeal to the emotions and egos of their constituents. This blind loyalty prevents rational analysis, allowing leaders to spread propaganda and make empty promises that resonate more with sentiments than facts. The combination of personal ambition, tribal allegiance, and societal acceptance of corruption perpetuates a cycle where mediocrity and unethical behaviour are continually reinforced, overshadowing meaningful and systemic change.
This exceptionalism also makes nepotism and corruption particularly pervasive. In a society where people believe they are inherently superior, it becomes easy to justify favouring family members or those from the same tribe. The notion of maintaining opportunities within a select group to uphold a sense of superiority only serves to entrench inequality and inefficiency, as merit and competence are often overlooked in favour of personal connections.
The allure of exclusivity also explains the success of Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent ventures in Kenya. These schemes prey on the belief that one can outsmart others and be part of an exclusive group with access to hidden opportunities. In a society enamoured with the idea of exclusivity, these schemes thrive, reflecting a deeply rooted selfishness and lack of community. Instead of fostering collective progress, there is a pervasive mentality of individualism.
A significant portion of Kenyans, particularly the youth, exhibit political apathy, believing that political matters don’t directly affect them. This indifference has allowed a failing system to persist unchecked, as those who could afford to be politically uninformed are only now realizing the dire state of affairs. By the time they decide to act, it is often too late to mend the cracks in the system. This apathy is glaringly visible during national crises. While some Kenyans protest for better systems, others remain detached, engaged in leisurely activities. This lack of empathy and communal responsibility is a direct consequence of the exceptionalism entrenched in our society.
Disconnection is also evident in our engagement with critical issues. Instead of focusing on matters that affect our lives, we are often distracted by trivial social media debates. Politicians exploit this apathy by making absurd comparisons, such as telling Kenyans to be grateful they aren’t living in Sudan or Mozambique, as if mediocrity elsewhere justifies mediocrity here.
The exceptionalism mindset extends to how we respond to tragedies. In a country where exceptionalism reigns, there is often little sympathy for victims, as people quickly distance themselves from misfortune, thinking, “That could never be me.” This was evident in a recent incident where a graphic video of a car accident involving Pwani University students was recorded and uploaded. Instead of offering support and compassion, people sought viral fame, showcasing a disturbing lack of empathy and community spirit.
This belief in exceptionalism also feeds into a dangerous narrative that hard work alone can overcome systemic failures. While hard work is important, it is naïve to think that one can out-hustle a failing system. Those who succeed are often those who were already privileged, leading to a lack of understanding and support for those struggling, with the prevailing belief being that they simply didn’t work hard enough.
Accepting that we are not as exceptional as we think we are is the first step toward remedying our situation. Kenya has always been its own greatest enemy, and it’s time to confront our shortcomings. We can begin by practicing honesty and integrity in our interactions, building trust and fostering transparency. Avoiding personalizing complaints or compliments helps maintain objectivity and focus on meaningful engagement. Striving for excellence and adapting to changing circumstances sets a positive standard that can influence our community.
Building a stronger sense of community is also vital. Participating in local events, supporting neighbourhood initiatives, and engaging in communal activities enhance ties and foster a culture of collective responsibility. Simple acts, like greeting neighbours, joining in environmental clean-ups, and contributing to local causes, strengthen bonds and promote a supportive environment. By adopting these practices, individuals contribute to a more ethical, informed, and cohesive society, paving the way for systemic improvement and meaningful change.
