African Ambiguities: Kenya Tries Again

For years Kenya was regarded as one of Africa’s sturdiest democracies. The fraudulent 2007 presidential election, however, exposed the fragility of Kenya’s democratic framework.

Since the return of multipartism in sub-Saharan Africa, open-seat elections have been the most likely to yield opposition victories, suggesting that term limits may significantly contribute to democratic consolidation.

After the ethnic violence that marred its 2007 presidential election, Kenya must reform its institutions to better represent its diverse polity.