Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation in Kenya, 1997 – 2017.

Abstract

The study examines how electoral reforms have impacted democratic consolidation in Kenya, from 1997 to 2017. It is guided by the following specific objectives: To examine how electoral laws carried out in Kenya from 1997 to 2017 have enhanced democratic consolidation in Kenya; to determine how the institutionalization of political parties enhanced democratic consolidation in Kenya from 1997 to 2017; and, to examine how the integration of electoral technology within Kenya’s electoral architecture enhanced democratic consolidation from 1997 to 2017. The motivation to focus on the above topic is informed by the fact that elections are important ingredient in facilitating democratic transition and deepening democracy in any society. The reforms on the other hand is intended to address the challenges that might arise out of the elections. Thus, the complementarity in the role of the two in any democracy cannot be over-emphasized. Minimalist and maximalist approaches formed the conceptual framework for the study. In democratic theory, countries move from being minimal to become maximal democracies. Further, the study was carried out through a case study approach using semistructured interviews with key stakeholders/actors involved, or impacted directly or indirectly in the electoral processes. The findings of the study show that the adoption of electoral reforms has to a large extent facilitated the process of democratic consolidation in Kenya. These reforms have in their wake deepened trust and confidence while motivating participation by Kenyan voters. They have also ensured relative political stability and elicited more pressing demands for further reforms in the electoral process. Against this backdrop, the study concludes that electoral reforms are an indispensable requirement for Kenya’s aspiration to transition into a stable and progressive democracy. Drawing from Kenya’s past experiences in electoral reform, the study suggests three recommendations: Policy makers should take cognizant of political-will as it sets the right environment for reform; and ensure that fundamental principles such as independence, transparency, inclusiveness are upheld; and then, there is need for more research on how electoral systems impacts on the democratic consolidation process in Kenya.