Ethnicity and Kenya's transition to democracy, 1990 to 2007

Abstract

This study examines the influence of ethnicity in the democratic transition in Kenya between 1990 - 2007. The study specifically responds to two core tasks using the Relative Group Worth Approach. Firstly, it examines and attempts an explanation on the centrality of ethnic instrumentalization and mobilization in Kenya Secondly, it analyses the impact of ethic instrumentalization and mobilization on the democratic process in Kenya.

The study argues that the sluggish pace of Kenya's transition to democracy is a function of instrumentalization of ethnicity by political entrepreneurs to the extent that they derive values by polarizing identities. The study recommends that the requisite institutional framework needs to be put in place to mediate on the negative impact of ethnicity.