John Okul holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts (first
class honours) in the same field from the University of Nairobi (Kenya). He is
currently involved as a project assistant in a governance project. He is also involved
in the ISS-led ENACT research on Trans-National Organized crimes, focusing on the
themes of cattle rustling in Eastern and Horn of Africa region, as well as illicit trade at
the Port of Mombasa. In 2016 - 2017, he was involved in the Agrimonde-Terra
project on global food security for 9 billion people in 2050 with Cirad (Cirad-inra
partnership) as a research associate. He has also published a book chapter from the
project. His research interests are in politics, governance and security.
Abstract
The study examines how electoral reforms have impacted democratic consolidation
in Kenya, from 1997 to 2017. It is guided by the following specific objectives: To
examine how electoral laws carried out in Kenya from 1997 to 2017 have enhanced
democratic consolidation in Kenya; to determine how the institutionalization of
political parties enhanced democratic consolidation in Kenya from 1997 to 2017;
and, to examine how the integration of electoral technology within Kenya’s electoral
architecture enhanced democratic consolidation from 1997 to 2017. The motivation
to focus on the above topic is informed by the fact that elections are important
ingredient in facilitating democratic transition and deepening democracy in any
society. The reforms on the other hand is intended to address the challenges that
might arise out of the elections. Thus, the complementarity in the role of the two in
any democracy cannot be over-emphasized. Minimalist and maximalist approaches
formed the conceptual framework for the study. In democratic theory, countries move
from being minimal to become maximal democracies. Further, the study was carried
out through a case study approach using semi-structured interviews with key
stakeholders/actors involved, or impacted directly or indirectly in the electoral
processes. The findings of the study show that the adoption of electoral reforms has
to a large extent facilitated the process of democratic consolidation in Kenya. These
reforms have in their wake deepened trust and confidence while motivating
participation by Kenyan voters. They have also ensured relative political stability and
elicited more pressing demands for further reforms in the electoral process. Against
this backdrop, the study concludes that electoral reforms are an indispensable
requirement for Kenya’s aspiration to transition into a stable and progressive
democracy. Drawing from Kenya’s past experiences in electoral reform, the study
suggests three recommendations: Policy makers should take cognizant of political-
will as it sets the right environment for reform; and ensure that fundamental
principles such as independence, transparency, inclusiveness are upheld; and then,
there is need for more research on how electoral systems impacts on the democratic
consolidation process in Kenya.
Research Supervisors
Prof Fred Jonyo
Dr. Solomon Owuoche.
Important Links
Marie, D. G., Moreau, C. and Okul, J. (2018). Regional Dimension of the Agrimonde-Terra Scenarios: The Example of sub-Saharan Africa. In Chantal Le Mouël, Marie de Lattre-Gasquet, Olivier Mora, eds, Land Use and Food Security in 2050: a Narrow Road. Land Use and Food Security in 2050: a Narrow Road. Éditions Quæ.
1b). Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Land-Food-Security-2050-Agrimonde-Terra-ebook/dp/B07HCC3T3B
2a). Title:
Okul, J. (2019). Safeguarding Kenya’s Economic Security Through the Blue Economy. Vol II- Issue VI. Horn Institute.
Link: