The myth, Consequences and Benefits Kenya’s 42(+) Tribes
The idea that Kenya is made up of 42(+) tribes is widespread, but the origins, nature and consequences of any list of these tribes are not well known. This was the issue in focus during the IDS seminar by Dr Samantha Balaton-Chrimes on 5th December 2019. During the seminar, “Who Are Kenya’s 42(+) Tribes? The Census and the Political Utility of Magical Uncertainty”, Dr Samantha explained the social imaginary of the 42(+), showing its lack of basis in any ethnic list-keeping beyond the 1969 census.