Neocolonialism refers to the practice of using economic, political, cultural, or other forms of influence in order to maintain control over a former colony, even after it has gained independence. Kenya had been independent for 60 years. It is with great sorrow, to say there is nothing to boast about having gotten independence that early.To date, neocolonialism is rampant in Kenya. Not only in Kenya , but most countries in Africa. There are several distinct factors that contribute to neocolonialism in Kenya and Africa at large.
Cultural imperialism - Kenyans are much influenced by Western culture. Starting from language, today, the dominance of English as an official language in Kenya has led to marginalization of indigenous languages.Our political leaders starting from the Head of State to MCAs , deliver their speeches in English. Why can't they use Swahili language?
The republic of Tanzania is a living example of Pan-Africanism in terms of language. Led by their founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzanians refused to use English as their official language. The Westerns have captured our tongues. We have also adopted western education system. Focusing on subjects such as Mathematics, English and Science etc , rather than traditional African cultural practices. Away with neocolonialism.
Religion is another key factor that has contributed to neocolonialism. Westerns countries are demanding for African resources, but Africans are interested in going to heaven. Just as Professor PLO Lumumba says that, when the colonies sat in Berlin conference, led by Otto Von Bismarck ,they read the same Bible we use today. In the letter of Paul to Galatians 3:28 , the Bible records , "There is neither a Jew nor a Greek , there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female : for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. "The colonies read that verse. It was not interpolated later , but they came here and colonized us." They viewed us as children of lesser god. They introduced Christianity to us and forced us to abolish meaningful African way of worship. They did not stop at that point, they went forward and made us believe that baptism names must either be , Peter , Walter , Jane, or Sharon that names like Kamau, Mutua , Koech or even Omondi ,God cannot accept us with such names. it is imperialism. Away with neocolonialism.
Foreign dependency - Chinese economic influence in Kenya has grown significantly in recent years, with Chinese companies involved in major infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Lamu port - South Sudan - Ethiopia transport (LAPSSET) corridor. Critics argue that , these projects often come with unfair loan terms and favor Chinese companies, leading to a debt trap and limited economic benefit for Kenya. My biggest question is, are we not producing engineers from our Universities and Colleges ? The other day we heard , Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua telling KMTC graduands to seek jobs abroad. We can't depend on ourselves, we are too behind to provide jobs for ourselves. Away with neocolonialism.
Environmental exploitation - Neocolonial actors extract minerals in our country leading to land degradation. China has a major player in the extraction of minerals in Kenya , particularly in mining of rare earth elements such as Titanium, which is used in various high - technology application. British Petroleum (BP) has been involved in the extraction of oil and gas in Kenya, with operations in the Lamu basin and other areas of the country. Why can't we utilize our minerals? Why can't we utilize our resources? Away with neocolonialism.
As I conclude, cultural imperialism, religion, foreign dependency, and environmental exploitation among other factors, are key contributors to neocolonialism not only in Kenya, but Africa at large.Let's join hands and be in the front line to eliminate White supremacy in Africa as a whole.Let us all embrace Pan-Africanism.
By EDWARD MUTUNGI, Second Year Student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication in Chuka University
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