History and Government Form 4 Notes : HARAMBEE PHILOSOPHY

HARAMBEE PHILOSOPHY

Meaning and Origin of Harambee Philosophy

Harambee is a Kiswahili slogan meaning “pulling together” or “working together.” It was a development strategy where people supplemented government efforts through voluntary contributions.

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta made it a national motto in 1963, promoting it as unity in all causes of national integrity and human progress.

The Harambee spirit embodies ideals of assistance, joint effort, mutual social responsibility, and community self-reliance.

Harambee Projects

Harambee projects are categorized as:

1. Social Projects: Educational institutions and facilities, medical centres, recreational facilities, and religious institutions.
2. Economic Projects: Construction of rural access roads, bridges and culverts, agricultural and livestock activities.

Principles that Guide the Harambee Spirit

1. It is a development strategy aimed at mobilizing people at the local level to participate in their development.
2. Participation is guided by the principles of collective good rather than individual gain. Harambee efforts should focus on community projects rather than individual projects.
3. The choice of project should be guided by the felt needs of the majority. Participants should be involved in decision-making.
4. In project implementation, there should be maximum utilization of local resources such as labour, materials, and money.

Contribution of Harambee Movement to the Development of Kenya

1. The Harambee movement has led to the development of education in Kenya through fundraising to construct schools and colleges.
2. Funds have been collected through Harambee to improve infrastructural facilities such as roads, rural electrification, and provision of water.
3. Collective participation in development programmes by people from different groups has promoted national unity.
4. It has helped inculcate hard work among Kenyans, encouraging various ethnic groups to develop their respective areas.
5. Harambee projects, especially in rural areas, have attracted foreign donors, including NGOs.
6. It has led to redistribution of resources as wealthier people have participated in development projects in less developed areas.
7. Funds have been raised through Harambee to help less fortunate members of society. For example, on 8^th April 1989, President Moi held a mammoth rally where KSH 70 million was raised to help the disabled.
8. The Harambee movement has promoted agricultural development, e.g., through construction of cattle dips and purchase of farms.
9. Funds raised through Harambee have been used to purchase buses and matatus to provide transport.

Ways in Which the Harambee Philosophy Has Promoted the Development of Education in Kenya

1. Many educational institutions have been constructed using funds raised through Harambee efforts, enabling many children to attend school.
2. Many students have been assisted to pay school fees, enabling the needy to continue learning.
3. Physical facilities have been constructed or improved through Harambee, creating a conducive learning environment.
4. Teaching and learning materials have been purchased or donated to schools to improve the quality of education.
5. Additional staff/workers in schools have been paid through Harambee contributions by parents to offset inadequacy.
6. Through the Harambee spirit, well-wishers have supported co-curricular activities, helping learners to develop their talents.
7. School furniture has been bought through Harambee efforts, making learning and teaching more comfortable.
8. Parents have contributed funds to supplement government school feeding programmes, improving enrolment.

Problems That Face the Harambee Movement in Kenya

1. Misuse of Harambee funds, diversion of funds, and lack of commitment by leaders.
2. It places an additional burden of taxation on the poor.
3. Embezzlement of public funds.
4. Political interference and wrangles among leaders.
5. The spirit of unity, cooperation, and self-help may be undermined by misappropriation of funds.
6. Poor coordination and supervision of Harambee projects.
7. Use of force or extortion of Harambee funds from the people; dictatorial tendencies.
8. Corruption and negative attitudes among people.
9. Use of Harambee for political gains.

NYAYOISM

Meaning and Origin of Nyayoism

Nyayoism originally meant “footsteps,” i.e., following the footsteps of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

This phrase was coined by former President Daniel Arap Moi, referring to his endeavour to follow his predecessor’s footsteps.

Today, Nyayoism means peace, love, and unity, which form the pillars of the development philosophy.

It stresses the concept of being mindful of other people’s welfare.

It is closely related to the principle of mutual social responsibility as embodied in African socialism.

Sources of Nyayoism

1. Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965, which articulated African socialism based on collective responsibility and concern for others’ welfare.
2. The Biblical teaching of the Ten Commandments, summarized as love for God, fellow man, and oneself.
3. Moi’s long political career inspired him to develop the philosophy when he realized that nation-building required love.

Pillars of Nyayoism

1. Peace: The state of being free from war and disorder. Peace is the foundation of sustainable and cumulative progress. It discourages political instability.
2. Love: Love fosters trust and readiness to cooperate by working together to promote national development. Lack of love disturbs peace, creates disorder, and destroys progress. Love encourages the African culture of sharing through the extended family (communalism).
3. Unity: The state of being one, in harmony or agreement in objectives and feelings. Kenya’s cultural, religious, racial, and language diversity requires unity for nation-building.

Role Played by Nyayoism in National Development

1. The philosophy formed the basis for solving national development problems and perpetuated the Harambee spirit.
2. It helped unify different communities and enhanced cooperation and unity among all.
3. Nyayoism was used as the rallying spirit for collective contribution and approach to national development.
4. It discouraged societal evils by preaching love, unity, and peace. Corruption was discouraged through the philosophy.
5. It discouraged all forms of discrimination based on religion, tribe, race, and social status.
6. The philosophy promoted respect for public property and functions.
7. It enabled the creation of a welfare state since everyone became mindful of others’ welfare.
8. It fostered a sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary for national development.

Impact of National Philosophies

Social Impact of National Philosophies

1. Education has been promoted through philosophies like Harambee, which assisted in constructing schools, laboratories, and libraries.
2. Medical services have improved.
3. Cooperation, understanding, and unity have been encouraged since the philosophies emphasize togetherness for nation-building.
4. The philosophies have promoted the spiritual and social welfare of people by raising living standards. African socialism encourages people to assist and share with others.
5. Through the Harambee spirit, the plight of persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups has been addressed.
6. The philosophies have promoted African cultures since they are drawn from African traditions.

Economic Impacts

1. Self-reliance and the Africanization process, through which Kenyans took over from foreigners, were made possible by the philosophies.
2. Due to the policy of pooling resources and the spirit of cooperation derived from African socialism, cooperative societies have been formed in agriculture and other sectors, contributing to the country’s development.
3. Transport and communication have improved through African socialism and the Harambee spirit. Rural access roads have been constructed; Nyayo buses were bought though the scheme failed due to mismanagement.
4. The agricultural sector has been boosted by the philosophies, encouraging Kenyans to work hard to increase food production.
5. The pillars of Nyayoism have created a conducive atmosphere for tourism growth and foreign investment in the country.

Political Impacts

1. The philosophies have promoted nationalism and patriotism in the country.
2. African socialism has encouraged democratization by championing political equality.
3. They have promoted international cooperation and understanding.