Harambe in Kenya – Objectives, achievements and failures

Harambee is a Swahili term meaning “all pull together”. It is a traditional Kenyan practice of community self-help events, such as fundraising or development activities. The concept was popularized by Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, after independence in 1963, as a way to encourage communities to work together to build and develop the nation.

Objectives of the Harambe philosophy in Kenya

The Harambee philosophy in Kenya has several key objectives aimed at fostering community development and national progress:

1. Community Self-Help

• Encouraging Collective Effort: The primary objective is to encourage communities to come together and work collectively towards common goals, such as building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
• Mutual Assistance: Promoting mutual assistance and support among community members to address local needs and challenges.

2. Economic Development

• Local Resource Mobilization: Mobilizing local resources, both financial and material, to fund development projects without relying heavily on external aid.
• Sustainable Development: Fostering sustainable development practices that benefit the entire community and improve the quality of life.

3. Social Cohesion

• National Unity: Strengthening national unity by fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.
• Cultural Preservation: Promoting and preserving cultural values and traditions that emphasize community and cooperation.

4. Empowerment

• Empowering Communities: Empowering local communities to take charge of their development and make decisions that affect their lives.
• Capacity Building: Building the capacity of communities to manage and sustain development projects effectively.

5. Government Support

• Collaboration with Government: Working in collaboration with the government to support and complement national development efforts.
• Policy Implementation: Assisting in the implementation of government policies and programs at the local level.

The Harambee philosophy has been instrumental in driving community-driven development and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among Kenyans.

Achievements of Harambe philosophy in Kenya

The Harambee philosophy has led to several notable achievements in Kenya, contributing significantly to the country’s social and economic development:

1. Education

• Schools and Colleges: Numerous schools and colleges have been built through Harambee initiatives, improving access to education for many communities.
• Educational Resources: Communities have raised funds to provide educational materials and infrastructure, enhancing the quality of education.

2. Healthcare

• Health Centers and Dispensaries: Many health centers and dispensaries have been established, improving healthcare access in rural areas.
• Nyayo Wards: Construction of Nyayo wards has helped ease congestion in district and provincial hospitals.

3. Infrastructure

• Roads and Bridges: Community-driven projects have led to the construction of roads and bridges, improving connectivity and transportation.
• Water Projects: Initiatives to build water supply systems have provided clean water to many communities, enhancing living standards.

4. Environmental Conservation

• Tree Planting: Efforts to plant trees have helped curb desertification and soil erosion.
• Gabions and Dams: Construction of gabions and dams has contributed to environmental conservation and water management.

5. Economic Empowerment

• Local Businesses: Support for local businesses and cooperatives has fostered economic growth and self-reliance.
• Community Savings: Community savings schemes have enabled members to access funds for personal and business development.

6. Social Cohesion

• Unity and Cooperation: The philosophy has promoted unity and cooperation among Kenyans, fostering a sense of national identity and collective responsibility.
• Cultural Preservation: It has helped preserve cultural values and traditions, strengthening social bonds.

These achievements highlight the positive impact of the Harambee philosophy on Kenya’s development, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives.

Failures of Harambe philosophy in Kenya

While the Harambee philosophy has had many successes, it has also faced several challenges and criticisms:

1. Inequality and Inequity

• Unequal Contributions: Wealthier individuals often contribute more to Harambee projects, while poorer community members may benefit without contributing equally. This can lead to feelings of resentment and inequality.
• Dependency: Some communities have become overly reliant on Harambee for development, which can hinder long-term sustainability and self-reliance.

2. Corruption and Mismanagement

• Misuse of Funds: There have been instances where funds raised through Harambee have been mismanaged or misappropriated, leading to incomplete or poorly executed projects.
• Lack of Accountability: The informal nature of Harambee can sometimes result in a lack of transparency and accountability in how funds are used.

3. Limited Impact

• Scale of Projects: While Harambee projects have made significant contributions at the local level, their impact on broader national development has been limited.
• Resource Constraints: Limited resources and funding can restrict the scope and effectiveness of Harambee initiatives.

4. Political Exploitation

• Political Patronage: Some politicians have used Harambee as a tool for political gain, promising projects in exchange for votes, which can undermine the genuine spirit of community self-help.
• Divisiveness: In some cases, the competitive nature of Harambee events can create divisions within communities, as groups vie for recognition and resources.

5. Sustainability Issues

• Short-Term Focus: Many Harambee projects are focused on immediate needs rather than long-term sustainability, leading to projects that may not endure over time.
• Environmental Impact: Some projects, such as tree planting, have faced challenges in ensuring the long-term survival of planted trees and other environmental initiatives.

Despite these challenges, the Harambee philosophy continues to play a significant role in Kenya’s development, and efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science