On March 4 of 2013, general elections were held in Kenya, the first held under the new constitution approved by a national referendum in 2010. This lesson considers the dynamics of political coalitions and oppostion parties in Kenya.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Gain familiarity with major trends in Kenyan political life.

- Identify key participants and issues impacting contemporary Kenyan politics.
- Become familiar with key sources for learning about Kenyan politics
Before Class
Read the following articles and browse the Daily Nation website
- Mueller, Susanne D. 2008. "The Political Economy of Kenya's Crisis." Journal of Eastern African Studies 2 (2): 185-210.
- Branch, Daniel, and Nic Cheeseman. 2009. "Democratization, Sequencing, and State Failure in Africa: Lessons from Kenya." African Affairs 108 (430): 1-26.
- de Smedt, Johan. 2009. "'No Raila, No Peace!' Big Man Politics and Election Violence at the Kibera Grassroots." African Affairs 108 (433): 581-98.
- The Daily Nation elections page: http://elections.nation.co.ke/
During Class
Work through this powerpoint presentation.