Harambee (Swahili: "all pull together") was Jomo Kenyatta's national motto and development philosophy. Community self-help fundraising events became the primary mechanism for funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in post-independence Kenya. These events demonstrated genuine cross-ethnic solidarity, with communities of different ethnic backgrounds contributing collectively to shared development goals.
Key Facts
- The term "Harambee" appears on Kenya's coat of arms as the official national motto
- Between 1963 and 1988, harambee events mobilised more than US$55 million in development funds
- Harambee events drew participants across ethnic lines (a harambee in Nyeri attracted Luo, Kamba, and Luhya contributors)
- Events typically focused on building schools, health facilities, and community infrastructure
- The system became increasingly corrupted by the 1980s, with politicians using harambee events for vote-buying and patronage networks
- Jomo Kenyatta popularised the concept as a development strategy for post-colonial Kenya
The Dual Nature of Harambee
The harambee philosophy represents a genuine expression of African communalism and collective self-reliance. Communities mobilised without waiting for government resources, creating infrastructure through direct participation. However, the same system became a mechanism for political patronage, with local leaders leveraging fundraising events to consolidate power and build voting blocs. This tension between authentic communal values and political exploitation defines Kenya's post-independence development history.
See Also
- Civil Society Kenya
- Educational Integration
- Economic Interdependence Kenya
- 2002 Rainbow Coalition
- Environmental Movements
Related
Nairobi as Melting Pot | The Kenya We Share | The Education Arms Race