The state of democracy in Kenya.
Since 2017’s contested elections, Kenya has entered a damaging period of political uncertainty, characterised by opposition leader Raila Odinga’s refusal to accept Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency as legitimate, and the determination of ruling Jubilee Party leaders to use state power to reassert their authority. Consequently, the independence of the media, judiciary and security forces has been challenged, leading to a significant deterioration in the quality of democracy, which threatens -- but has not yet fully undermined -- the gains secured in the 2010 constitution.
GDP growth fell to 4.5% in 2017 from 5.8% in 2016 and is unlikely to recover quickly without a solution to the political impasse.
Democratic backsliding may erode relations between the opposition and donors, whom Odinga has already criticised for ignoring excesses.
If true, rumours Kenyatta plans to buy a controlling stake in the influential Nation Media Group would be a major blow to media freedom.
