The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for the renaming of ten counties across Kenya in a bid to promote national unity and inclusivity. The commission argues that some county names are ethnically aligned and could perpetuate tribalism and division, which undermines the country’s efforts toward cohesive national identity.
NCIC Chairperson, Dr. Samuel Kobia, emphasized the importance of neutral and inclusive names in fostering a sense of belonging among all Kenyans. “Our objective is to eliminate any form of ethnic bias and create an environment where every Kenyan feels included, regardless of their ethnic background. Renaming these counties is a step towards achieving that goal,” Dr. Kobia stated.
The ten counties identified for renaming include:
- Kisii
- Meru
- Embu
- Nandi
- Tharaka Nithi
- Turkana
- West Pokot
- Elgeyo Marakwet
- Taita Taveta
- Samburu
These counties were singled out because their names are directly linked to specific ethnic communities. The NCIC believes that changing these names will help mitigate ethnic stereotyping and reduce tensions that arise from perceived ethnic dominance.
Public consultations and forums are set to begin next month to engage citizens in the renaming process. The NCIC plans to work closely with local leaders, cultural experts, and community members to identify new names that reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of each county without emphasizing ethnicity.
The NCIC assures that the renaming process will be inclusive and sensitive to the cultural significance of the existing names. “We are not looking to erase history but to create a more unified future,” Dr. Kobia explained.
The final decision on the new names will be made after comprehensive consultations, with the aim of implementing the changes by the end of the year. The NCIC remains committed to fostering a cohesive and integrated Kenya, where all citizens can thrive in unity and diversity.
