A member of Kenya’s upper house of parliament on Wednesday tabled a bill seeking to allow members of the public to fly the national flag in their homes.

Under the current law, local Kenyan cannot fly the flag in their residences, except with a written permission from the minister in charge.

Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr. says the amendment to allow the public fly the flag would enhance patriotism in the East African country.

“Patriotism is a national value. The Bill seeks to allow members of the public express their patriotism by flying the flag in their private residences,” local Star newspaper quotes him to have said.

Kilonzo argued that promotion of patriotism would have a positive effect on governance at the county level, ultimately promoting national cohesion.

Kenya is sub-divided into 47 counties that were crafted from former 8 provinces that were ethnically demarcated in the colonial era by the British.

The East African country – with more than 40 tribes – struggles with ethnic cohesion, and is often worsened during political campaigns.

In his inauguration speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged to unite the country, following a lengthy season of politics that saw the country hold two presidential elections.

Prior to the October 26 vote, the EU and AU had cautioned leaders in the country against hate mongering, urging unity.

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