Nobel laureate Amartya Sen famously said, “No famine has ever taken place in the history of the world in a functioning democracy.” These words reflect poorly on the current state of governance in Kenya as preparations are made for the country’s next famine. Blame for the famine in Nyandarua North District is being laid at the feet of the 40,000 internally displaced persons living there following last year’s post-election violence. Electoral irregularities led to violence which led to displacement which is now leading to famine.
While the rest of the world is enjoying the lowest oil prices for some time, Kenya is suffering a major fuel crisis as a result of massive corruption. Reports indicate that some officials from Kenya Pipeline Company supplied oil worth $150 million to a bankrupt company without due authority. Kenya Pipeline Company, which supplies most of the oil requirements of Kenya and neighbouring countries, now faces bankruptcy.
While Kenya does hold elections and has most of the infrastructure typically associated with a democratic government, Amartya Sen would argue that it is not a “functioning democracy” because corruption is too pervasive. A functioning democracy requires a government which is accountable to its constituents and a justice system which ensures that the laws made with the government are complied with.