The debate over renaming ten counties, as proposed by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has elicited mixed reactions across the country.
According to the NCIC, renaming the counties would help prevent ethnic profiling and eliminate potential discrimination against residents of these counties.
Michael Kinji, a businessman in Makueni County, is among the Kenyans who have welcomed the move, saying it is long overdue.
"I have always felt that something was amiss, and I’m glad that someone has seen it. Why should we have a county named after a specific tribe? It smacks of ethnicity, in my opinion. We need to find more reasons to come together rather than be divided. I think the NCIC is spot on with this, and I fully support it," said Kinji. He added, "Any efforts geared towards erasing tribal identities, even if just in perception, are welcome by all means."
Alfred Ogalo from Kakamega holds similar views: "Kenya is our business. We must focus on making this country remain united. We can find other names that are less discriminatory."
Last Monday, the NCIC announced plans to file a petition before parliament to initiate the renaming process.
The counties in question include Tharaka-Nithi, Turkana, Nandi, Embu, Samburu, West Pokot, Meru, Kisii, Taita-Taveta, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
However, others like Marilyn Murimi, a university student from Kirinyaga, see this as a non-issue.
According to Murimi, Kenyans should look beyond semantics and embrace their identity.
"I don’t see how this will help. If anything, we will be eroding what defines us as a people. We can belong to different tribes and still be patriotic. We should preserve our history," said Murimi.
Murimi’s assertions are echoed by Fathurahman Mohamed from Mandera County.
"At the end of the day, it is all in the mind. Take Kisumu, for instance. It is not directly a Luo name, but we associate it with the Luos, even though there is a significant population of Kikuyus, Somalis, and Kambas," said Mohamed.
Mr Mohamed added that real change can only be achieved if the population is patriotic to the country.
During Monday's address, the NCIC stated that they have identified boundary disputes as one of the biggest challenges to peace and cohesion in Kenya.
The NCIC mentioned they are rethinking ways to ensure that devolution does not create fault lines among Kenyans.
Other issues the commission is currently addressing include the deep-seated problem of hate speech, which threatens peaceful coexistence in Kenya.
“We have to work towards bequeathing the next generation a sober country grounded in respect for all. I appreciate the efforts being spearheaded by the commission, and we must all stand up to be counted,” asserted Kinji.
