A Philosophical Analysis of the Democratic Practice in Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the bottlenecks and problems faced by Kenyans in their pursuit for democracy. It sought to establish the effects of culture, the economy, civic_ education and colonialism on democracy. It also considered whether there was need to reinterpret democracy so as to make it pertinent to the Kenyan situation. The hypotheses postulated in this study were: - - There is need to cultivate and nurture a democratic culture in Kenya. - Economic, colonial and educational factors have had a negative influence on the practice of democracy in Kenya. Library research was the main method of data collection. However, 55 key informants were informally talked to, so as to enhance the data. After the data analysis, the study found out that economic, cultural, and colonial factors influence the practice of democracy in Kenya negatively. That, institutions devised by the colonial government in Kenya for oppressive purposes are still being used for the same purposes by the Kenyan government. It was observed that, Kenyan leaders have yet to learn that the free and open society is by definition dynamic and incompatible with any static stratification or guarantee for any status quo. Authentic democracy is possible only in a state ruled by law, and on the basis of a correct conception of the human person. Democracy requires personal dedication of both the governors and the governed. Unless democratic habits of thought and action are a part of the fibre of the Kenyan people, then political democracy in this country is insecure. What the country needs is a culture of selflessness and sacrifice in order to nurture the budding democracy. But not a democracy based on fear, intimidation, self-glory and personal enrichment. It was, therefore. recommended that the government should be so organised as to enable the maximum individual freedom consistent with equal freedom of others. The government should endeavour to create mechanism to protect democracy rather than destroy it through those provisions in the constitution such as the Public Order Act, Public Security Act and the Chief‘ s Act which are truly inimical to democracy.