The Untold Story behind Kenya’s Election

“Against daunting odds, [Kenyans] have shown themselves resilient, committed to learn from their mistakes and take charge of their collective future.”

Now that Kenya’s 2013 election is all but over, the time has come to see what Kenyans, and the world, has to learn. Because of the controversial 2007 round, pre-election coverage this last year focused on unresolved tensions and doomsday scenarios. Conversely, a positive outcome may tempt casual observers to call Kenya’s successful poll a “surprise” or “miracle”.

The reality is much different. Significant resources and concerted effort has been invested to get Kenya to this point.

The political settlement of 2008 was brokered by a panel of eminent Africans led by Kofi Annan. But this team was guided by Kenyan leaders, representing broad coalitions of concerned citizens, peace activists and the business community. Many of these individuals spent sleepless nights coordinating input, feeding advice to mediators and negotiating behind the scenes with politicians. The international diplomatic community, though not always neutral or on point, also played a constructive role to help find common ground.

From this process, a number of objectives were identified, some short-term and some long-term, to get Kenya back on track. Urgent issues like stopping the violence and addressing the humanitarian crisis took priority. But Agenda 4, the final plank, focused on long-term issues that could only be dealt with by nurturing enduring institutions over years, even decades.

Once Agenda 4 was clarified, beginning in 2008, Kenyans got down to the business of reform. A new constitution was negotiated and passed in a referendum. A restructured election commission, a freshly appointed and better-funded judiciary, and a revamped police leadership are now in place.

Kenya’s land problem, based on a colonial legal regime from over a century ago, also got attention. Under the 2010 constitution, a well-qualified National Land Commission is set up to adjudicate land issues in a sober and fair way under a carefully negotiated Land Policy. Another grievance, regional inequality is being addressed through devolution which directs resources from the national government to 47 new counties.

More striking is the spontaneous contribution of ordinary citizens. The faith communities, for instance, fragmented in crisis, took stock, apologized to the nation and since then have worked to regain unity and legitimacy.

Then, the election process itself was overhauled. Political parties, campaigners, pollsters, election rhetoric, media and polling stations are now controlled. On election day, tight security was ensured with almost 100,000 security personal deployed across the nation to keep the peace. Police stations and courts ramped up capacity for election disputes, the election commission completed every task under the glare of the media, and polling stations stocked extra paraffin for hurricane lamps, just in case.

Alongside unprecedented government and diplomatic community efforts , Kenyan civil society and ordinary citizens have been hard at work on civic education. Peace messages blanketed the nation sponsored by celebrities, churches, mosques, universities, community groups and the political parties themselves. Leading media houses collaborated to sponsor nation-wide caravans and to stage the first every presidential debate. The business community mobilized millions of dollars for the historic Mkenya Daima(“Kenyan Forever”) voter outreach campaign. Even schoolchildren countrywide played their role by bringing home peace pledges for their parents to sign.

Despite all these efforts, nobody suggested that the election would be run perfectly or every crime prevented. Nor can it be said that Kenyans have resolved ethnic prejudices and addressed all historical grievances. There is a certainly a long way to go, and more lessons to learn, on Kenya’s path to mature democracy. Indeed, a detailed, long-term manual for Kenya’s journey to a prosperous and just society is already set out in Vision 2030, the country’s development plan. Instead of a quick and easy turn, citizens are already hunkered down for the long haul.

Regardless, credit – where deserved – must be given. The dogged determination of Kenyans over the past 5 years is remarkable. Against daunting odds, they have shown themselves resilient, committed to learn from their mistakes and take charge of their collective future.

Rather than clamor for a tedious rehashing of gripes, grime and gore, let’s share an inspiring story of recovery and reconciliation. There you have it: the real scoop, and the story behind the story.