The Economist: Kenya’s New Government Faces Serious Challenges

Kenya’s recent presidential elections have come under scrutiny with candidate Raila Odinga calling the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection a “computer-generated fraud.” In Nairobi and in Western Kenya, protestors have “blocked roads and burned tires,” reports the Economist. “The police responded [by] firing tear gas and live rounds into the crowds. After a few days, at least two dozen people were dead.” Nearly a quarter of the 41,000 forms with election results have yet to be released by the electoral commission, thereby “making it difficult to disprove Mr. Odinga’s claims.” Political instability could threaten one of Africa’s strongest economies and comes as the country faces an extended drought for the country of 48 million people. More than 2 million Kenyans “are at risk of starvation” and “for the rest, food prices are soaring.” Kenyans may set aside worries about claims of election fraud if the government quickly tackles the other big challenges, restores order and delivers economic growth with the help of trade. – YaleGlobal