Kenya can best be described as a shining light, perhaps even a success story, on a continent marred by poor economies and weak state structures. This paper will provide an analysis of the country on several fronts, namely the political system type; parliament and parties; elections and referendums; government and administration; federalism and local government; privatisation and development policies; and finally its role in regional organisations. Added to this will be a time series providing a historical overview of Kenyan politics.
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Table of Contents
1. Development of the political system type
2. Parliaments and Parties
3. Elections and Referendums
4. Government and Administration
5. Federalism and Local Government
6. Privatization and Development Policies
7. Kenya’s role in regional organizations
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive political and economic analysis of Kenya, serving as a historical overview of the nation's governance, institutional structure, and development policies from independence through 2007.
- Evolution of Kenya's political system and democratization process.
- Structure and function of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Analysis of electoral systems, political parties, and constitutional referendums.
- Economic development, challenges of corruption, and privatization efforts.
- Kenya's strategic position and role within regional organizations like COMESA and EAC.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Development of the political system type
Kenya gained its independence from Britain on December 12, 1963. Jomo Kenyatta, a liberation struggle icon, was given the chief responsibility to lead the country, which he did up until his death in 1978. Kenyatta, an ethnic Kikuyu, was the head of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). The minority party, Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), dissolved itself in 1964 and joined KANU. The Kenyan government did not hold true to its initial democratic principles (Appendix A); as the 1966 banning of the small but significant leftist opposition party, the Kenya People's Union (KPU), clearly illustrated (CIA World Factbook, 2007; US Department of State, 2007).
Thus, KANU became Kenya’s solitary political party, with the country operating as a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982, after its political system transformed from an emerging democracy to restricted democratic practice from 1963 to 1969 (Appendix A). President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi took power in a constitutional succession after Kenyatta’s death in 1978. Moi continued the work of Kenyatta by officially making Kenya a one-party state in June 1982 after the National Assembly amended the constitution. After significant pressure on the domestic and international fronts, Moi allowed political liberalisation measures to be implemented in 1991, with the one-party section of the constitution being revoked (CIA World Factbook, 2007; US Department of State, 2007).
Summary of Chapters
1. Development of the political system type: This chapter traces Kenya's political transition from independence, through the one-party state era under Kenyatta and Moi, to the establishment of a multi-party democracy in 2002.
2. Parliaments and Parties: The chapter outlines the current governmental structure, including the roles of the President and the unicameral National Assembly, alongside the complex landscape of the country's numerous political parties.
3. Elections and Referendums: This section analyzes Kenya’s electoral system and its democratic progress, highlighting the significance of the 2002 presidential election and the 2005 constitutional referendum.
4. Government and Administration: An overview of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary—emphasizing their independence and functional roles.
5. Federalism and Local Government: This chapter examines the management of local authorities and administrative divisions, noting the challenges in local governance and service delivery.
6. Privatization and Development Policies: Focuses on the impact of corruption on Kenya's economic development and the government's efforts to foster economic growth through privatization and donor support.
7. Kenya’s role in regional organizations: Discusses Kenya's economic integration through its membership in regional blocs like COMESA and the East African Community (EAC).
Keywords
Kenya, Political Economy, Democratization, KANU, NARC, National Assembly, Mwai Kibaki, Constitutional Referendum, Privatization, Corruption, Foreign Direct Investment, COMESA, East African Community, Governance, Regional Integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper provides a historical and political analysis of the Republic of Kenya, evaluating its governance structures and economic trajectory since its independence in 1963.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
The central themes include the evolution of the political system, the role of parliament, electoral processes, local governance, economic reforms, and regional cooperation.
What was the main research goal?
The goal was to analyze the political and economic landscape of Kenya to determine how the country transitioned into a democracy and how it is addressing developmental challenges.
Which methodology is used to analyze Kenyan politics?
The author uses a historical and descriptive analysis, utilizing time series data and comparative evaluation of political events and government policy reforms.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body details the transition from a one-party to a multi-party state, the structure of the National Assembly, the outcome of key elections, and the progress of economic privatization.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Kenya, Political Economy, Democratization, Governance, and Regional Integration.
How did the 2005 Constitutional Referendum impact the presidency?
The referendum was a major setback for President Kibaki, as a majority of the population rejected his proposed constitution, which sought to strengthen presidential powers.
What is the current status of Kenya's privatization efforts?
Progress on privatizing parastatals has been slow, with only a few major entities, such as Kenya Railways and KenGen, having undergone significant restructuring.
How is Kenya involved in the African regional economy?
Kenya is an active member of regional trade blocs like COMESA and the East African Community (EAC), aiming to harmonize tariffs and facilitate trade within the region.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Michael Ferendinos (Author), 2007, Country Profile: Republic of Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/122888
