Politics and Government in Kenya

Characterized by polarization and intrigue, politics in Kenya are marred by animosities, alliances, horse-trading, propaganda, greed, corruption and underhandedness, creating the political landscape in Kenya the greatest danger for local and foreign investment. Nonetheless, the current promulgation of a new constitution brings hope not only for the Kenyan population but also for existing and potential investors in various sectors of the economy.

History of Kenyan politics

Much of the poitics and government is influenced by the tribal make up of the Kenyan demographic.

- A strong political environment was established with the colonization of Kenya by the British from 1895-1963. - Kenya became an independent Republic in 1964. The first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, under the Kenya African National Union (KANU party), ruled Kenya as a single-party state until his death in 1978. - Kenyatta was succeeded by his Vice President, Daniel Moi, who ruled Kenya for 24 years until 2002 - The rule under Moi, popularly recognized as the Moi regime, saw Kenya witness the worst political turmoil and political stagnation as the second president tried to preserve the status quo by utilizing political repression and dictatorship. His tenure was flawed with political killings, ethnic clashes, violations of human rights and corruption. - In 1991, Moi gave in to internal and external demands to reinstate a multi-party system. - In the 2002 elections, Mwai Kibaki won the elections overwhelmingly on the NARC party ticket. - In 2007, Kibaki was sworn in as President amidst the worst political instability Kenya has ever witnessed, resulting in the 2007-2008 post-election violence. - The Kibaki presidency was seen by many as the light at the end of the tunnel. Accurate to this, his presidency went to lengths to stabilize the political atmosphere, develop the economy, make sure fair distribution of sources and attract and assistance investors by supplying investment incentives. - Unlike his predecessor who looked to the West for assist, Kibaki leaned more towards the East.

Government political system

There are 3 arms of the government that function independently but complement each other:

- The Executive - The Legislature - The Judiciary

Current government

A coalition government formed as a outcome of the political statemate, led by a president and a prime minister, presently rules Kenya. Now Kenya waits to vote in their third president in 2013.

Human rights problems

- Other than becoming a democratic nation, Kenya has two important watchdogs of society: a vibrant media presence and an exceptionally active civil society, both acting to ensure that fundamental human rights are safeguarded. - Human rights violations had been most rampant throughout the Moi regime (although the other governments have witnessed some). - The present scenario paints a promising future with couple of human rights violations becoming reported and new laws being applied successfully. - The new constitution has helped produce reforms in social and legal institutions and upholds personal liberties.