Electoral Violence in Kenya and Some Mitigating Initiatives

Abstract

In Kenya, election-related violence, involving the youth, has been prominent since 1992. This research article examines the initiatives employed in order to respond to electoral violence in Kenya, as it samples Kawangware informal settlement in the capital city of Nairobi. It utilizes a mixed method research design in its endeavor to unveil the problem statement. In its data collection, it has relied heavily on the youth of Kawangware, key informants from the police, NGOs and youth groups, the local administration, village elders, and community leaders. To identify the respondents, stratified and purposive sampling procedures were used. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. CAQDAS was used to analyze qualitative data, whereas IBM SPSS - 25 was used to analyses quantitative data. According to the findings, youth in Kawangware are considerably disenfranchised in all aspects of social life except voting. Politicians were also identified as the primary perpetrators of political mobilization that resulted in electoral violence. The study recommended that providing several options for youth advancement in life, as well as keeping politicians accountable, will minimize youth participation in electoral violence in Kawangware.