National Commission for Integration Commission (NCIC) has blamed the failed fight against ethnicity to lack of political goodwill.
The commission blamed politicians of fueling ethnicity through their political parties.
NCIC Vice Chair Irene Wanyoike said it was unfortunate that negative ethnicity has continued to be perpetuated for political gains through political parties that have been organised along ethnic and regional lines.
"Ethnicity still poses a significant challenge in Kenya, despite the commission's efforts to curb because our leaders lack the political good will to end it," said Wanyoike.
She said that the country’s politics, which pervades the daily lives of Kenyans is mainly driven by ethnically based party vehicles and coalitions adding that values of tolerance, appreciation and embracing unity in diversity have been severely eroded.
“Kenya’s future as a nation-state depends to a large extent on the need to recognize and celebrate diversity and the need to build a strong and cohesive national character,” said Wanyoike.
She called upon every Kenyan Citizen to play his or her role in ensuring that the country remains a cohesive nation by joining hands and promoting harmony amongst communities.
The NCIC vice chair said Kenyans should be able to tolerate each other by curbing hat speech, being tolerant to divergent views and sensitizing the public on the dangers of youth radicalization.
She also urged faith based organizations to use their calling and moral obligation to preach harmony and tolerance among Kenyans irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.