Many children in Kenya traditionally inherit their father’s first name as their surname, but there are an increasing number of people who are taking their mother’s instead.
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This is particularly the case amongst the country’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu – and has become a subject of debate and in some cases ridicule for the men with female surnames.
Girls and women who have their mother’s names do not face the same censure – and often when they marry may opt to take their husband’s first name as their surname.
Some say the growing trend of men having female surnames reflects changing attitudes to women and their influence in what is a patriarchal society; others are critical of those who have been given – or in some cases opt to take – their mother’s name.
Details
It used to be rare to see men in prominent positions with a female surname, but now there are even several politicians who have them – like MP John NjuÌguÌna WanjikuÌ.
Brought up by a single mother, he was first elected in 2021 and goes by the nickname “Ka-WanjikuÌ”, meaning child of WanjikuÌ.
Some like WanjikuÌ were given their female surname at birth, but others have chosen theirs to honour their mothers.
Analysis
When you take your mother’s name, it means you love and respect her”
One of the earlier personalities to break the norm over male surnames was Peter KiÌgia, a Kenyan musician who chose his mother’s name as his stage name.
KiÌgia wa Esther (son of Esther), now in his 60s, is known for playing benga – fast, rhythmic guitar folk music with lyrics in Kikuyu.
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