Democratization in Devolved and Federal Systems of Kenya and Ethiopia: What Lessons from the Former to the Latter?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the state of democratization in devolved and federal systems of Kenya and Ethiopia, respectively.It specifically identifies the determinant factors that contributed for relative progress of democratization of Kenya. It then pinpoints lessons that Ethiopia could draw from the case of Kenya. In so doing, the study followed qualitative research approach with two purposively selected cases design. Apart from comparing the cases based on the existing literature on the determinants of democratization, some key informants‘ interviews were conducted. The finding of the study shows that democratization in devolved system of Kenya is relatively progressing than the one in Ethiopia. Multiparty system and independent institutions such as the Supreme Court, electoral commission and civil society organizations are contributing to the relative progress of democratization in Kenya. Different factors including family based and personalized politics, ethnic patronage and corruption are still the impediments to  building democratic state of Kenya. In contrast, neither revolution nor non-violent popular protests led to transition to democracy in Ethiopia; and the country worryingly missed several opportunities for making progress in the democratization project. Informed by the case of Kenya, therefore, Ethiopia needs to prioritize political elites bargaining, multiparty system and let independent institutions of democracy operate in their own terms.