Kenya decides 2022: Lessons and challenges of democratic consolidation in the country
The Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), cordially invites you to a CONVERSATION on ‘Kenya decides 2022’: Lessons and challenges of democratic consolidation in the country.’ This virtual meeting is scheduled to take place on 13 October 2022 from 10H00 to 12H00 (SAST).
The outcome of the recently concluded presidential elections in Kenya is indicative of the evolving democracy in Africa broadly and Kenya specifically. The elections demonstrate that democracy is maturing on the continent and that institutions such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Supreme Court are gaining recognition amidst many challenges of legitimacy. With a free press and a vibrant civil society sector, the government of Kenya and the election regulatory body, took steps to ensure the effective participation of citizens in the electoral process. While the leader of the AZIMIO coalition contested the outcome of the election, the handling of this contestation shows some level of maturity in the political process and the trust the political elites have in state institutions.
Notwithstanding these positive developments, this conversation will contextualize the challenging socio-economic and security atmosphere in which the Kenyan elections were held and its implications for peace and security and social cohesion in the country. Key in the discussion would be to unpack the critical role the election regulatory body could play in ensuring the credibility of future election processes in the country.
The Conversation will also unpack the peaceful political transition strategies employed and provide innovative recommendations for moving electoral processes in the country forward.
PROGRAMME
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Dr Nicasius Achu Check, Senior Research Specialist, AISA/HSRC
SPEAKERS
- 10.00 – 10.10am
- Dr Nicasius Achu Check, Introduction and Welcome
- Elections Management boards and the consolidation of democracy on the continent
- 10.10am - 11.00am
- Dr. Moses Onyango, Chair of the International Relations Department and Director of the Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- 11.00am - 11.55am
- Question and answer
- 11.55am – 12.00noon (Vote of Thanks)
- Dr. Vuyo Mjimba, Acting Coordinator, AISA/HSRC