A Brief Political History of Kenya

Today we had a professor from the University of Nairobi come in to speak to us about Kenya’s political culture. The colonial period had a drastic effect on the Kenyan populace, as the British destroyed local authority and replaced it with their own system, as well as established arbitrary boundaries for administrative purposes. As traditional leadership and authority lost its power to the occupying force, the young in the British schools became the new leaders in government since they spoke English and were accustomed to the ways of the British. To be employed by the government gave one special privileges and wealth, and this view of the state has largely carried over to today.

Since independence (uhuru)in 1963, Kenya has had only three presidents: Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki. The next elections are in 2007, and already people are in a hubbub about the constitutional referendum set for a public vote November 21st. The current constitution is largely left over from the British, with a few minor changes by the Moi government. The proposed constitution makes substantial changes in land inheritance and the rights of women, but does little to change the powers of the president (the original intent for the draft). The political climate is quite divisive so far, and I hope they postpone the vote until changes in the draft can be made to provide for a better, more popular consensus.

People seem to be largely dissatisfied with the current Kibaki government. During the 2002 campaign, Kibaki’s people promised a substantial improvement in job creation, universal primary education, improved security, less government corruption and a new constitution with 100 days of taking office. So far only universal primary education has been delivered. Kibaki has been suffering from ill-health and his approval rating was as low as 23% last year. For better or worse, this upcoming vote on the constitution may well turn into a vote of no-confidence for the current government.

As I think of the Iraqi people going to the polls in October, I am thankful that things here are not nearly so politically violent. There are many different tribes in Kenya (some 40 plus), and they all seem to get along in everyday affairs. However, political parties and favors often follow tribal ties, leading those in power to corruptively grant favorable positions to friends. I cannot say our government is much better, but I fear Kenya will never be able to look outward as long as there is so much governmental in-fighting. They, as well as the Iraqis, will be in my prayers as the people voice their opinion of their leaders as well as make important decisions for the future of their respective nation.