Abstract:
Existentialism is a branch of contemporary philosophy. The term existentialism is derived from the verb to exist. Existentialism as a philosophy applies to human beings. It implies being a certain kind of an individual, one, who strives, chooses, decidesand commits oneself. The study assumes that human beings can use reason and their freedom to promote their own freedoms and choices as well as those of others. It is also hypothesised that
by recognisingthese freedoms and choices, one can also shape his/her own destiny, which was initially meaningless. This can prevent his freedoms and choices being abused.Indeed, there are cases where human freedoms and choices have been abused. For example, abortion can be seen as a matter of individual freedom since every individualhas cultivated certain cultural and religious values and exists in his/her own, uniquesituation. Thus conformity in this context is not necessary, for in Sartre's view, eachperson's life is his/her own. This philosophy has been perceived by some people to be very remote and ideal and therefore said to be of no avail to human life. It is established that existential philosophy has a role to play in solving the increasing socio-economic problems facing Kenya today like the problem of unemployment, abortion, the problem of HIV/AIDS and other similar problems. The study has established that existential freedomand authentic existence can enable Kenyans to facilitate and accomplish the highly needed socio-economic development in our social situation. Thus the role of existential freedom in shaping one's destiny is explained in detail with concrete examples. This study is library based and it thus provides a critical analysis of some of Sartre's work dealing with existential freedom and to relate it to some moral problems in the current social situation in Kenya. Sartre advocates for absolute human freedom and choice. According to him, man is condemned to be free. He argues that each and every one of us is free to choose whatever he/she wants, and that in our choices, we can never choose evil. This point may seem dangerous because in a way Sartre seems to be taking us back to anarchy, an egocentric state, under the umbrella of respecting our individual freedoms, choices and uniqueness. He even argues that there is no universal human conduct for people to conform to, because he is convinced that such codes of conduct do exist in as much as there is a 'Being' to observe them. However, because this 'Being,' God does not exist, the universal human conduct does not therefore exist. Although Sartre denies the existence of a universal code of conduct, he asserts that there is a universal sense of responsibility for man. In as much as man may rely on God in solving some of his problems, it is highly believed that man plays a major role in shaping his destiny. This study is important because it addresses some important issues in our present day Kenya. The main issue, which will be discussed, is the social situation in Kenya and the relevance of existential freedom or authentic existence in coping with the dynamic situation in time. If Sartre's message is taken positively, it can help liberate the contemporaryman in Kenya.