Political Instability In Kenya Essay

2.3.2 Politics

According to Barnay (2007) political stability is the durability and integrity of a government regime the standard definition. Political instability is the propensity of a government collapse either because of conflicts or rampant competition between various political parties. Also, the occurrence of a government change increases the likelihood of subsequent changes. Political instability tends to be persistent. After teetering on the brink of civil war in the aftermath of post-election violence in 2007, Kenya achieved significant reforms which helped to promote a peaceful electoral process in 2013. Stabilizing the economy is now essential to allow Kenya to consolidate its democratic progress and meet the rising expectations

Countries in transition towards democracy, or, as in the case of Kenya, towards greater democratic stability, must not overlook the vital importance of economic reform. The African continent has experienced numerous transitions since the end of the colonial era. Few immediate transitions following this period were successful, but over the past two decades the number of African democracies has soared as part of the ‘third wave’ of democratization. With increased democratization come widening economic opportunities, which must be seized to ensure democratic legitimacy in the long term. In Kenya, economic reform in this case a transition to a market-based system has proven essential to democratic consolidation. Since the post-election turmoil in 2007–08, Kenya has made significant progress towards a stable democratic outcome. From here, progress can only be sustained by rising living standards and increased opportunity, which require long-term growth, stability, and investment (Barnard,

With support of the World Bank Group (WBG), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development partners, Kenya has made significant structural and economic reforms that have contributed to sustained economic growth in the past decade. Development challenges include poverty, inequality, and vulnerability of the economy to internal and external shocks. Devolution is rated the biggest gain from the August 2010 constitution, which ushered in a new political and economic governance system. It is transformative and has strengthened accountability and public service delivery at local levels. The government’s agenda is to deepen implementation of devolution and strengthen governance institutions, while addressing other challenges including land reforms and security to