After the Cold War and the transition towards democracy, inter-state conflict became prevalent, especially in Africa. Although Kenya is considered to be peaceful unlike her neighbors, a closer scrutiny reveals an unprecedented wave of internal and cross-border conflicts. These conflicts - mainly manifesting as political, economic; conflicts over natural resources, land and tribal clashes and lately terrorism - are sending signals that all is not rosy as the outside world has been erroneously been made to believe. It has experienced ethnic political violence around election periods frequently. The study investigates factors contributing to diversity related conflict in Kenya. It examined literatures on ethnicity, politics, democratic transition and political violence and the 2010 constitution to understand the nature of recurrent diversity related political problem in Kenya. The study found that in periods of political competition such as elections, political elites mobilize Kenyans along ethnic lines, which are perceived to be established voter blocs to ensure a victory to the highest office. The deliberate use of ethnicity is in line with the instrumentalist theory. Thus, this paper tries to recommend policy alternative to tackle the current diversity related problems in Kenya.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Kenya A multi- national state
1.1. The Nature and scope of Diversity
1.2. Nature and salient feature of Kenyan state.
2. Management of Diversity in Kenya
2.1. Factors that incite diversity-based conflicts in Kenya
2.2. Approaches to the Management of Diversity in Kenya
3. Current challenges in Kenya
3.1. Insecurity issue in Kenya
3.2. Unequal growth in Kenya
3.3. Corruption
4. Diplomatic relation with neighboring countries:
4.1. Kenya’s intervention in Somalia a shift in diplomatic approach from soft power to hard power.
5. Conclusion and recommendation
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to analyze the management of ethnic, social, and cultural diversity in Kenya, specifically examining how historical and political structures have contributed to instability and internal conflicts.
- The impact of ethnic diversity and identity politics on national integration.
- The relationship between land distribution, economic inequality, and ethnic conflict.
- Challenges stemming from insecurity, corruption, and the youth demographic.
- The role of the 2010 Constitution and devolved government in managing diversity.
- Kenya's shift in diplomatic strategy regarding neighboring countries and regional stability.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1. Identity politics and negative ethnicity
In Kenya, it has taken the form of the ‘Ethinification of political and economic processes’, which means that people are made to treat ethnicity as increasingly relevant to their personal and collective choices in terms of choice of candidate during elections, investment, residence, and even social inter-actions such as marriages. Thus, political leaders and the people they lead are stimulated to consolidate, form or stabilize an ethnic identity; and the political opportunity afforded by ethnic networks is easily exploited for political support. Most ethnic groups in Kenya associate the relative economic prosperity of the Kalenjin and Kikuyu elite to the real/imagined favors derived from the political advantages that accrued to them during the Moi and Kenyatta presidencies respectively. The same was being said of the Kibaki presidency. Thus, there is common talk of those who have ‘eaten’.16 In terms of political mobilization therefore, political leaders call upon their ethnic communities to group together and fight for political office either as a way of ensuring their continued stay in power, so as to continue ‘eating’, or to gain political power as a way of finding an ‘eating place’. Indeed, leadership (i.e. ruling elites) in post colonial Kenya has often relied heavily on ethnicity to remain in leadership positions or settle a dispute with their perceived enemies. Therefore, the two social forces at the core of Kenyan politics are ethnic groups and political parties. In the absence of strong ideologies, however, ethnicity provides the focus for ‘party’ loyalty. It can be seen that parties and ethnic groups overlap. It is clear, however, that since independence, power and ethnicity have become increasingly intertwined.17
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a background on Kenya's multinational status, historical development, and an overview of the paper's aim to analyze diversity management.
1. Kenya A multi- national state: Describes Kenya's diverse demographic landscape, including its 42 ethnic communities and the nature of the Kenyan state.
2. Management of Diversity in Kenya: Examines the root causes of diversity-based conflicts, such as identity politics and resource competition, and discusses the role of devolution.
3. Current challenges in Kenya: Discusses critical modern issues, including organized criminal gangs, small arms proliferation, economic inequality, and systemic corruption.
4. Diplomatic relation with neighboring countries: Analyzes Kenya's shift from soft to hard power, particularly regarding its military intervention in Somalia.
5. Conclusion and recommendation: Summarizes findings on the necessity of addressing structural inequality and proposes actionable steps for peacebuilding and policy reform.
Keywords
Kenya, Diversity Management, Ethnicity, Identity Politics, Devolution, Land Distribution, Insecurity, Corruption, Somalia, Economic Inequality, National Integration, Peacebuilding, Political Patronage, Post-colonialism, Constitutional Reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines the management of diversity in Kenya, specifically focusing on how ethnic and social differences contribute to conflict and how the state attempts to handle these through governance and policy.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include ethnic identity politics, the impact of land distribution on social stability, the role of economic inequality, and the challenges of regional diplomacy.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The primary goal is to analyze the factors causing diversity-related conflicts in Kenya and to recommend strategies for the government and stakeholders to mitigate these issues and promote national unity.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper relies on a qualitative literature review and analytical examination of existing socioeconomic data and constitutional frameworks to evaluate diversity management in Kenya.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the demographic nature of the state, factors inciting conflict like resource competition and marginalization, the transition to devolved governance, internal security threats, and shifting foreign policy.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as ethnic conflict, identity politics, devolution, economic inequality, and national security.
How did the Kenyan government attempt to reform power structures in 2010?
The 2010 Constitution introduced a devolved government structure, establishing 47 counties to decentralize power from the central government and reduce ethno-regional competition.
Why has Kenya's approach toward Somalia changed?
Kenya transitioned from a "soft power" diplomatic approach to a "hard power" military stance due to the perception that traditional regional engagement methods were failing to stop cross-border security threats.
- Quote paper
- Wondwossen Mengistu (Author), 2016, Diversity Managment in Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/378986
