The Roots of Political Stability in Kenya

In: African affairs: the journal of the Royal African Society, Band 77, Heft 308, S. 297-320

Abstract

Since independence from GB, Kenya has experienced a political stability often attributed to the charismatic leaderhip of President Kenyatta. Challenged are accepted interpretations of Kenyatta's political role, focusing on Kenya's internal political structure as the source of stability. Three aspects of Kenyan "regime-building" are examined: (1) the establishment of an African security force within already existing structures of the British colonial military system, (2) a concentration of power within the State, giving the president considerable discretionary authority to change & overturn acts of parliament, & (3) successful neutralization of opposition party politics & trade-union development. Although the majority of Kenya's population consists of the rural poor, the capitalist upper classes & middle classes enjoy considerable government encouragement & support, & hence, have a vested interest in maintaining the present system. This government & bourgeoisie alliance, coupled with a fairly sensitive responsiveness to rural needs, has successfully stalled large-scale organization by the masses. Principal threats to Kenyan stability rest with a sudden shift in economic power & distribution, or pressures of international relations, rather than with the succession of presidential leadership. P. Hoye