KENYA– The East-African nation holds anticipated general elections a decade after deadly post-election violence. One of east Africa’s leading economies, the success of the election is crucial to Africa and the rest of the world.

Dynasties

Two rival families will compete for power in Kenya’s presidential election, in a relationship that goes back to independence. First political generation of the Odinga and Kenyatta dynasty, led Kenya’s independence efforts in the 60s. The rivalry was stirred following spats between Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga, which intensified tribal conflict between the Kikuyu and Luo communities.

State house

Eight candidates are running for president in Kenya’s 2017 election. Of these, two are the main challengers; Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. This bears a stark reminder of the 2013 elections where the two political juggernauts contested competitively during the presidential campaigns.

Kenya’s economy

Kenya is one of East Africa’s biggest economy, it derives revenue from game parks and tropical beaches, as well as exports of exotic flowers. Tourism and agriculture is a major contributor to the nation’s economy.

Corruption allegations

The country suffers from endemic corruption and was ranked 145th out of 176 countries in 2016 on Transparency International’s graft perceptions index.

Kenya has a population of 48.5 million people, and its most populous ethnic groups are the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo and Kalenjin.

Results declaration

Kenya’s high court ruled that presidential results announced in the 290 constituencies will be final and should not be subjected to any alterations. The ruling overturns the tradition of results being collated at a national tallying centre before they are announced as final.

The views expressed in this post are of the author’s and in no way reflect those of The Election Network.