The Oxford Handbook of Kenyan Politics

Kenya is a politically dynamic and influential country in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its development successes and political instability. The Oxford Handbook of Kenyan Politics provides an overview of Kenyan history, politics, and society, covering topics such as colonial rule, ethnicity, land politics, devolution, the constitution, elections, democracy, foreign aid, the informal economy, civil society, human rights, the International Criminal Court, China's influence, economic policy, electoral violence, and mobile phone technology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Kenya, a vibrant and influential nation in sub-Saharan Africa, has a rich and complex political history. Over the years, it has witnessed both remarkable achievements and tragic setbacks. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenya was celebrated as a success story of development in the periphery, leading the way in democratic breakthroughs with the adoption of a new constitution in 2010. This constitution devolved power and imposed new constraints on the president, marking a significant milestone in the country's political evolution.

However, Kenya's political landscape has also been marked by periods of instability and ethnic violence. The Kenya crisis of 2007/08, for instance, resulted in over 1,000 deaths and almost 700,000 displacement, highlighting the country's vulnerability to political unrest when electoral violence is expressed along ethnic lines.

To understand these developments and many more, The Oxford Handbook of Kenyan Politics is a valuable resource. Compiled by 50 leading researchers, this handbook offers a comprehensive analysis of Kenyan politics, covering a wide range of essential topics. The chapters contributed by these experts address the legacy of colonial rule, ethnicity, land politics, devolution, the constitution, elections, democracy, foreign aid, the informal economy, civil society, human rights, the International Criminal Court, the growing influence of China, economic policy, electoral violence, and the impact of mobile phone technology.

In addition to delving into some of the most significant debates surrounding Kenyan politics, the handbook provides an insightful overview of Kenyan history from 1930 to the present day. It features a set of chapters that review the impact of devolution on regional politics in every part of the country, highlighting the diverse political dynamics and challenges faced by different regions.

Overall, The Oxford Handbook of Kenyan Politics is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and dynamic politics of this fascinating nation. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on Kenyan politics, history, and society, providing valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and citizens alike.

Weight: 1366g
Dimension: 173 x 250 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192887429