Publication

With Kenya's next elections scheduled for 4 March and 11 April 2013, this report argues that the U.S. should take proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the electoral violence that broke out across the country in 2007. If the elections are "free and fair," they will bring Kenya's new constitution, adopted in 2010, fully into force and advance the country's progress toward becoming a modern democratic state, it argues. Widespread violence and perceived illegitimacy from the Kenyan public, however, could plunge the country into renewed political instability as well as harm the economy. In addition, U.S. foreign policy goals of preventing Somalia from becoming a terrorist safe haven and nurturing peace between Sudan and South Sudan could be compromised.