JSPES, Vol. 38, No. 3 (Fall 2013)
pp. 263–286

Leadership and Political Corruption in Kenya: Analysis of the 2010 Constitutional Provisions on the Presidency

Stephen Mutula, Wilson K. Muna,
and Geoffrey P. Koma

School of Social Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal

This article is an attempt to establish a link between the abuse
of power in the Presidency, and how this manipulation has been
addressed by the new Constitution 2010 in Kenya. This study has
reviewed available literature to interrogate this correlation.
Rampant corruption that has contributed to a huge loss of resources in Kenya has been attributed to the arbitrary power vested in the executive. Following Independence in 1963, Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the Republic of Kenya, concentrated on amassing political power under the control of the central government. Moi, his successor from 1978, continued this legacy by tightening the control of Kenyan public life in all spheres, including politics, administration, and management of public finance. The presidency took over control of almost all the sectors of the Kenyan economy. Moreover, it had control over the state’s finances with little, if any, accountability. This study has found out that corruption in Kenya has notoriously revolved around the Presidency and those who demonstrated loyalty to the ruling elite. Consequently, this central control was evident in the imbalance in regional development. The abuse of power and inefficiency of the three presidencies of Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki left Kenya susceptible to poor social, political and economic development. It is noteworthy that the Constitution 2010 has launched relevant institutions that have the potential of enhancing checks and balances in managing public resources. If these institutions deliver according to the mandate accorded them, there is a true promise in curbing corruption and maintaining good and accountable governance in Kenya.