US Urged to Support Kenya in Aftermath of Contentious Election

Foreign Policy published on 21 November 2017 a commentary titled "As Kenya Struggles to Recover from a Tumultuous Election, America Must Stand by Its Side" by John Tomaszewski, regional director for the International Republican Institute (IRI), and Daniel Twining, president of IRI.

In spite of the controversial election that recently took place, the authors urge that the United States work closely with Kenya to build a more effective democracy.

Kenya's Presidential Election

The International Crisis Group (ICG) published on 2 October 2017 a commentary titled "How to Ensure a Credible, Peaceful Presidential Vote in Kenya."

The ICG argues that it is essential the election take place by the 1 November 2017 deadline. In addition, both political parties must accept important electoral reforms worked out with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Upcoming Kenyan Elections

The International Crisis Group published on 30 May 2017 a report titled "Kenya's Rift Valley: Old Wounds, Devolution's New Anxieties."

The report concludes that while major Kikuyu versus Kalenjin conflict is unlikely during elections scheduled for August 2017, serious local violence is possible, particularly as the creation of new counties run by powerful locally-elected officials has increased the stakes of political competition.

Kenya: Political Tensions Increase Ahead of 2017 Election

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) published on 5 January 2017 a brief analysis titled "Kenya: Political Tensions Increase Ahead of 2017 Election" by Alexander Noyes, adjunct research associate at IDA.

The author concluded that given the benefits of incumbency, the ruling party's unity, and the expected backing from the large Kikuyu and Kalenjin ethnic groups, the Jubilee Alliance appears to be in the driver's seat for the 2017 elections.